Former Tennessee Titans star tight end Frank Wycheck suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated blows to the head, when he passed away just a year ago. Ta.
Wycheck’s family confirmed the CTE diagnosis in a statement released Thursday, 13 months after the three-time Pro Bowler died in a fall inside his home.
According to his family, a study of Wycheck’s brain conducted at the Boston University Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center concluded that he had stage III CTE. Stage IV is the most severe diagnosis.
“Our family is grateful to learn that his CTE diagnosis has been confirmed,” Wycheck’s daughter Deanna Wycheck Szabo said in a statement. I hope to carry on my father’s desire to bring education and support.” statement. “Our hope is that NFL alumni who believe they are suffering from CTE will be given much-needed resources and guidance before their symptoms reach a debilitating state. Ongoing CTE research and diagnosis We look forward to seeing our future NFL graduates through this process,” and families will be given a clear overview and plan of action as they receive care and treatment. ”
Wycheck was found dead at his home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on December 9, 2023. He passed away at the age of 52.
Fran Wycheck was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Titans and spent 12 years as a color commentator on the team’s radio network. He died in December 2023 at the age of 52 from an apparent fall at his home. Jeff Haynes/AFP via Getty Images
The family’s announcement came a day after the 25th anniversary of “Music City Miracle,” a play he co-wrote with Wycheck that is one of the most famous moments in NFL history.
On January 8, 2000, at the end of a wild-card playoff game between the Titans and the Buffalo Bills, with 16 seconds left and Tennessee leading 16-15, Wycheck made what would be his final series in a game. He made a kickoff return in the game. After Wycheck started returning the kickoff, he threw a lateral pass across the field to Kevin Dyson, who ran 75 yards and scored the winning touchdown, giving the Titans a 22–16 victory.
Wycheck played nine of his 11 NFL seasons with the Titans/Oilers franchise, ranking third in team history with 482 career receptions. He was inducted into the Titans’ Ring of Honor in 2008, five years after retiring from the NFL.
Mr. Wycheck began working as a color commentator on the Titans Radio Network in 2005. The Titans announced before the 2017 preseason that he would be stepping down from his role due to lingering head issues.
“My father put himself on the line throughout his career,” Wycek-Szabo said. “He loved the game, but more than that he loved his teammates. After retiring, he reflected on life after the NFL and his suffering and symptoms, which he knew in his heart was CTE.” He fought for years to shine a light on his fears. He often felt forgotten, ignored and helpless in his situation.
“Looking back, I wish our family had been educated about the signs and symptoms of CTE, rather than believing there was something inherently wrong with him. I now know that he was doing his best as a father and friend.” ”
