Frank Wycheck's Tragic Passing: NFL Legend Diagnosed with Stage III CTE Posthumously

Frank Wycheck, the former NFL tight end renowned for his pivotal role in the "Music City Miracle," was confirmed to have had stage III chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at the time of his passing on December 9, 2023.

Wycheck, who was 52, died after sustaining a head injury from a fall at his home in Chattanooga. His family disclosed that researchers at Boston University's Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center diagnosed the stage III CTE posthumously. Stage IV is the most severe form of this neurodegenerative disease, which is associated with symptoms such as dementia, memory loss, and depression.

Throughout his 11-season NFL career, Wycheck played for the Washington Redskins and the Tennessee Titans, making significant contributions on the field. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and is perhaps best remembered for his lateral pass during the "Music City Miracle," a play that secured the Titans' victory over the Buffalo Bills in the 2000 AFC Wild Card game.

In a 2017 interview, Wycheck expressed concerns about his cognitive health, stating he was certain he had CTE and feared the onset of related symptoms. He had also expressed his intention to donate his brain for research to further the understanding of the disease.

His family hopes that this diagnosis will lead to increased awareness and support for those affected by head injuries in contact sports. They emphasized the importance of education and intervention for players and their families dealing with CTE symptoms.