Frank Wycheck, a former NFL tight end celebrated for his role in the iconic “Music City Miracle,” passed away on December 9, 2023, at his home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the age of 52. His family announced that he had been diagnosed with stage III chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head trauma, prior to his death. Wycheck’s passing followed an incident where he fell and struck his head at home, highlighting his ongoing battle with the effects of the condition.
Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center confirmed Wycheck’s diagnosis of CTE stage III, which can lead to severe symptoms such as dementia, memory loss, and depression. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Wycheck played in the NFL from 1993 to 2003, starting his career with the Washington team before concluding it with the Houston Oilers, who transitioned to become the Tennessee Titans.
In a family statement, they expressed gratitude for the diagnosis, viewing it as a means to shed light on the risks associated with CTE in contact sports, particularly football. They hope to honor Wycheck’s legacy by advocating for enhanced player safety and support for individuals affected by head injuries. His daughters reflected on the difficulties their family faced as they tried to comprehend the significant physical and emotional changes in Wycheck, initially attributing his struggles to a longing for the limelight of his past career.
Deanna Wycheck Szabo shared her observations of her father’s decline, noting that he became increasingly withdrawn and experienced dramatic mood swings. “He became more impulsive and often inconsistent,” she remarked. Looking back, she realizes these changes were symptoms of CTE resulting from the impacts he sustained during his 11 seasons in the NFL.
Szabo highlighted her father’s deep passion for football and emphasized his years of advocacy for awareness regarding the repercussions of CTE, often feeling overlooked and powerless. She expressed a desire for her family to have had more knowledge about CTE symptoms, hoping for better education and resources to support former NFL players and their families.
“Instead of thinking that something was inherently wrong with him, we now know he was doing his best as a father and friend under circumstances beyond his control,” Szabo noted.
Madison Wycheck Nowell, another daughter, shared her daily worries regarding her father’s well-being post-retirement, concerned about his nutrition and health management. She described the alarming decline in his health and hopes that their family’s experience serves as a cautionary example for others.
“My dad described it as if his brain was obstructed by a thick brick wall that hindered his ability to follow through on tasks,” Nowell explained. She expressed her belief that despite his challenges, he was given precious moments to witness family milestones such as weddings and the joy of being a grandparent before his passing.
On December 27, the NFL community honored the 25th anniversary of the Music City Miracle, where Wycheck executed a crucial lateral to teammate Kevin Dyson during a famous AFC wild-card game against Buffalo. This historic play remains one of the top moments in NFL history, ranking fourth among the greatest plays in the league’s first century.
