- NFL. The nine players who put the Kansas City Chiefs in a 'bind' in the middle of the playoffs
- NFL. Inside the plane ride that ended Jerod Mayo's coaching job: Why playing cards cost him his job with the Patriots
The Tennessee Titans and the wider NFL community are mourning the loss of Frank Wycheck, a legendary tight end who ed away on December 9, 2023, at the age of 52. A pivotal player during the Titans' rise to prominence, Wycheck's career was marked by grit, determination, and a deep love for the game.
Wycheck's 11-season NFL career included nine years with the Titans, where he amassed 505 receptions, 5,126 yards, and 28 touchdowns. Fans will forever his role in the famed "Music City Miracle," where his lateral to Kevin Dyson secured a stunning playoff victory in 2000. Yet, his life after football revealed a darker side of the sport.
In a posthumous diagnosis shared by his family, Wycheck was found to have suffered from Stage III chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive head trauma. The diagnosis was confirmed by researchers at Boston University's CTE Center, underscoring the long-term toll professional football can take on players.
Related:
- Super Bowl 2025: date, time, halftime show and everything you need to know
- Where to watch the 2025 Super Bowl? TV channel and streaming where you can watch the game
- Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show: Everything you need to know about Kendrick Lamar's show
- Super Bowl Winners List: All the teams that have won the Super Bowl by year
- Gatorade Color Super Bowl: Odds, history and more about the traditional Gatorade bath
Wycheck's daughters, Deanna Wycheck Szabo and Madison Wycheck Nowell, released a heartfelt statement expressing both sorrow and hope. "My father put his body on the line throughout his career," Szabo said. "He loved the game and his teammates, but his struggles with CTE often left him feeling forgotten and helpless."
Nowell reflected on the lessons their family has learned from his struggles. "This disease took my dad far too soon," she said."I hope his story serves as a cautionary tale and encourages greater awareness of the long-term effects of sports."
A legacy of advocacy: Frank Wycheck's fight for player safety and awareness
Wycheck's diagnosisis not an isolated case. Boston University's CTE Center has found the disease in 345 of 376 former NFL players studied as of February 2023, with the condition linked to memory loss, depression, and dementia. Wycheck's family hopes his journey will inspire increased education, research, and resources for players facing similar struggles.
While his stats and accolades cement his place in football history, Wycheck's impact went beyond the field. He was a vocal advocate for player safety, sharing his struggles in hopes of sparking change. His family has pledged to continue his mission, calling for early intervention and for retired athletes and their families.
Wycheck's ing left a profound void, but his legacy endures as a reminder of both football's glory and its cost. His unforgettable contributions to the Titans, coupled with his advocacy for player safety, shine a light on the need for ongoing reforms in professional sports.
As the NFL honors Wycheck's memory, his life story stands as both an inspiration and a call to action. Fans will not just the tight end who delivered one of the league's most iconic plays, but also the man who fought to protect the next generation of players from the hidden dangers of the sport he loved.