(RepublicanView.org) – Former NFL pro Frank Wycheck has died at the age of 52. The Tennessee Titans tight end reportedly died after falling and hitting his head at his home in Chattanooga. His family posted a notice to the team website on December 10, saying it appears that he fell early on Saturday, December 9, and that he was found unresponsive later that afternoon.
Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said Mr. Wycheck’s name was synonymous with Titans football, adding, “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.”
The Pennsylvania native retired from NFL football in 2003 after 11 seasons with the Titans and ended his career with a record of 505 receptions, 5,126 yards, and 28 touchdowns over 155 games. His 505 career receptions saw him ranked fourth of all time among tight ends, trailing Kellen Winslow with 541, Ozzie Newsome with 662, and Shannon Sharpe with 815.
Popular on the football field and off, Wycheck was reportedly enthusiastic about his game and respected by fellow players and reporters. According to the Tennessee Titans website, Former Coach Jeff Fisher once said, “When we moved to Nashville, Frank was the first one off the bus. He hit the ground running.”
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mr. Wycheck started his professional career with the Washington Redskins in 1993. The following year, he tested positive for anabolic steroids and was suspended, but he returned in 1995 with the Houston Oilers. In 2000, he was part of the “Music City Miracle,” considered one of the greatest plays in NFL history.
In a match-up with the Buffalo Bills, with 15 seconds left, the Tennessee Titans returned a short kick-off for a game-winning touchdown. Wycheck passed the ball to scorer Kevin Dyson, who ran 75 yards to achieve the iconic winner.
The football star later enjoyed a successful broadcasting career and indulged in professional wrestling in the mid-2000s. He was divorced and had two children.
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