Former NFL tight end Frank Wycheck has passed away. He was 52 years old.
The retired Tennessee Titans linebacker died after reportedly falling and hitting his head at his home in Chattanooga, Tennessee on December 9. His family confirmed the news in a statement posted on the team’s official website on Sunday.
“At this time, it appears that Wycheck fell at his home in Chattanooga, TN and hit his head on Saturday morning. He was found to be unresponsive that afternoon,” the statement said.
Frank Wycheck in 2001.
Allen Kee/Getty
Wycheck’s family shared their plan to honor his wishes by working with “experts in ongoing brain injury (TBI) and CTE research.” The family also thanked the public for their support before asking for “privacy at this difficult time”.
The famed tight end played 11 NFL seasons during his football career before retiring in 2003.
In 1995, he signed with the Houston Oilers — who later became the Tennessee Titans — after playing two seasons of football in Washington.
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His breakout moment as a Titan came in 1999 after he threw a touchdown pass on the kickoff in a game against the Buffalo Bills, famously dubbed the “Music City Miracle.” His throw to teammate Kevin Dyson at that point led to a 75-yard touchdown, sealing the Titans’ victory in the final seconds.
Wycheck went on to play in three consecutive Pro Bowls between 1998 and 2000 and had 505 career catches, considered one of the best by a tight end in NFL history.
After retiring from football, he began a career in sports radio commentating on Titans Radio and hosting the Nashville sports radio show The awakening zoneat the University of Maryland, where he graduated as an undergraduate.
Wycheck made three consecutive Pro Bowls between 1998 and 2000 and had 505 career catches, which ranked him fourth among tight ends in NFL history.
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Wycheck was inducted into the Titans’ Ring of Honor in 2008 and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.
“We are all devastated to hear the news of Frank’s passing. He was loved by so many and his memory will always be cherished,” Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement posted on the Titans website. “Frank’s name was synonymous with great football. He was such a huge part of our team’s success, on and off the field. He immediately embraced this community and fan base, and everyone loved him immediately.
“We pray and express our condolences to Frank’s family. Our football family grieves with you,” the statement concluded.
Wycheck leaves behind two daughters – Deanna and Madison – and three grandchildren.
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