Former NFL Pro Frank Wycheck Dead at 52

The retired Tennessee Titans tight end died on Saturday, Dec. 9 following a fall at his Tennessee home, his family confirmed

Former NFL tight end Frank Wycheck has died. He was 52.

The retired Tennessee Titans player died after reportedly falling and hitting his head at his home in Chattanooga, Tennessee on Dec. 9. His family confirmed the news in a statement posted on the team's official website on Sunday.

“At this time, it appears Wycheck fell inside his Chattanooga, TN home and hit his head on Saturday morning. He was found unresponsive that afternoon,” the statement read. 

Wycheck’s family shared their plan to honor his wishes by working with “experts for on-going brain injury (TBI) and CTE research.” The family also thanked the public for their support before asking for “privacy during this difficult time."

The famed tight end played 11 NFL seasons throughout 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.

Related: Former NFL Wide Receiver Devon Wylie Dead at 35: ‘No Words to Express the Sadness’

His star moment as a Titan came in 1999 after he threw a lateral pass during a kickoff in a game against the Buffalo Bills, famously dubbed the “Music City Miracle.” His toss to teammate Kevin Dyson in that moment led to a 75-yard touchdown, securing a win for the Titans in the final seconds.

Wycheck went on to play in three consecutive Pro Bowls between 1998 and 2000, and had 505 career catches, ranking as the one of the best tight ends in NFL history.

After he retired from football, he embarked on a career in sports radio career doing commentary on Titans Radio and hosting the Nashville sports radio show The Wake Up Zone, per the University of Maryland, where he graduated as a student.  

Wycheck played three consecutive Pro Bowls between 1998 and 2000, and had 505 career catches, ranking him fourth tight end 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 controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement, per the Titans’ website. "Frank's name was synonymous with Titans football. He was such a huge part of our team's success both on and off the field. He embraced this community and fan base immediately, and everyone loved him right back.

"We offer our prayers and condolences for Frank's family. Our football family mourns with you,” the statement concluded.

Wycheck is survived by his two daughters — Deanna and Madison — and three grandchildren.

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