Ex-NFL QB -- Hospitalized After Suicide Attempt

Former Chicago Bears quarterback Erik Kramer shot himself Tuesday night in an attempted suicide ... but survived ... and is currently recovering in an L.A. hospital.

Kramer -- who played 13 seasons in the NFL -- was discovered by law enforcement in a motel in Calabasas around 8 PM, according to NBC. The extent of his injury is unclear.

The 50-year-old's ex-wife Marshawn told NBC News Kramer has suffered from depression for years ... which she believes is a direct result of the hits he took during his time in the league.

"He is a very amazing man, a beautiful soul, but he has suffered depression since he was with the Bears. I can promise you he is not the same man I married."