Former NFL Star Frank Wycheck Dead at 52
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 14: Former player Frank Wycheck of the Tennessee Titans on the field before a game against the New York Jets at LP Field on December 14, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Jets defeated the Titans 16-11. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The Sports world is mourning one of its own.
On Sunday, Dec. 10, the family of Frank Wycheck confirmed "with great sadness" that the former NFL star passed away on Saturday, Dec. 9. He was 52 years old.
Per the family's statement, Wycheck "fell inside his Chattanooga, TN home and hit his head on Saturday morning. He was found unresponsive that afternoon."
Wycheck, who spent 11 seasons in the NFL between 1993 and 2003, moved to Chattanooga earlier this year to be closer to his family. The athlete is best known for his time spent as a tight end for the Tennessee Titans. He is survived by his two daughters, Deanna and Madison, and three grandchildren, Leo, Stevie and August.
"The family, per his wishes, plans to work with experts for on-going brain injury (TBI) and CTE research," the note added. "Funeral services have not yet been made at this time."
The update signed off with a request from the family "to please respect their privacy during this difficult time."
Fans of the late football pro have since flocked to social media to pay tribute to the deceased athlete. "Horrible. What a great guy he was," one fan penned on X. "Very sad. He was peak Titans."
Another chimed in, "So young! Heartbreaking news."
A third wrote, "This is heartbreaking He’s one of my favorite Titans."
Wycheck retired from football at age 32 after suffering a series of concussions during his time as a professional athlete. However, per the Tennessee Titans' official site, he left the game feeling triumphant.
"I did everything I set out to do and much more,'' he said during a press conference for his retirement. "From a guy who wasn't even supposed to be in a training camp, let alone to where I ended up, I'm truly proud and I couldn't ask for anything more. It's been a truly great ride."
