Former Tennessee Titans standout Frank Wycheck, a three-time NFL Pro Bowl tight end, was confirmed to have suffered from stage III chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at the time of his death at age 52. Wycheck passed away on December 9, 2023, following an apparent fall at his home in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His brain was later examined by Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, which revealed the advanced stage of the degenerative brain disorder caused by repeated head trauma. Stage III CTE is one step below the most severe diagnosis, stage IV.
CTE, as described by the Cleveland Clinic, is a progressive condition linked to repetitive head injuries, particularly prevalent in contact sports like football. Wycheck’s daughter, Deanna Wycheck Szabo, spoke about her father’s struggles in the years leading up to his death. “We witnessed our father becoming increasingly isolated, experiencing drastic mood swings, impulsive behavior, and inconsistent dependability,” she said in a statement. “Looking back, it’s clear he was battling the symptoms of CTE from the trauma his brain and body endured during 11 NFL seasons.”
The Wycheck family has since pledged to support continued research and education around CTE, aiming to improve intervention and support for former NFL players and their families. “We are grateful to learn of his confirmed CTE diagnosis in hopes of advancing our father’s goal to raise awareness and provide education, increased resources, and support for NFL alumni suffering from CTE,” Szabo added. She expressed hope that ongoing research would lead to actionable care plans for former players before symptoms become debilitating.
Wycheck himself had long been an advocate for CTE research, candidly sharing his own struggles with the disorder in interviews. In 2017, he remarked, “CTE is real. I know I’m suffering through it. It’s been a struggle, and I feel for all the guys out there going through this.”
During his 11-year NFL career, Wycheck became known as one of the league’s most reliable tight ends, finishing with 505 receptions, 5,126 receiving yards, and 28 touchdowns. He played in 155 games, starting 135 of them, and represented the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans, and Washington. Wycheck was instrumental in iconic NFL moments, including his role in the famous “Music City Miracle” during the 2000 NFL playoffs.
The Wycheck family hopes Frank’s diagnosis and legacy will contribute to greater understanding and support for players facing similar challenges, ensuring they receive the care and resources they need.
