Former Tennessee Titans star Frank Wycheck was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at the time of his death.
Wycheck, a three-time Pro Bowler, died 13 months ago after falling inside his home. A study of his brain done at Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center determined the former player was dealing with the degenerative brain disease linked to blows to the head.
Tests revealed he had CTE Stage III.
His family confirmed the diagnosis in a statement on Thursday.
“Our family is grateful to learn of his confirmed CTE diagnosis in hopes to continue our father’s desire to bring awareness, increased intervention, education, and support for NFL alumni and their families related to CTE,” Wycheck’s daughter, Deanna Wycheck Szabo, said, per ESPN.
“Our hope is that NFL alumni, who believe they are suffering from CTE, will be given the much-needed resources and guidance prior to their symptoms reaching a debilitating state. With on-going CTE research and diagnosis’, we hope future NFL alumni and families will be explicitly given an outline and plan of action in receiving care and treatment.”
Wycheck was found dead inside his home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on December 9. 2023.
The former tight end, 52 at the time of his passing, spent 12 years as a color commentator for the Titans on their radio network.
Frank Wycheck Had To Step Down From His Position Due To Head Issues
Wycheck spent nine of his 11 years in the NFL with the Titans and finished third in team history with 482 receptions. He was inducted into their Ring of Honor five years after his retirement.
The former TE began working on the Titans Radio Network in 2005; the team announced he was stepping down ahead of the 2017 preseason because of lingering head problems.
Brain issues in football has been a topic of widespread conversation. Back in 2013, the NFL reached a settlement with former players to provide medical care and financial support to those impacted. However, there have been reports of the league not living up to its end of the bargain.
Last year, a survey found that one in every three former players believe they have CTE.
