Former Tennessee Titans tight end Frank Wycheck passed away at the age of 52 in 2023. Before his death, he was vocal about his belief that he suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and that he planned to donate his brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation after he died.
On Thursday, just one day after the 25th anniversary of the Music City Miracle, Wycheck’s family announced that he did, in fact, suffer from CTE.
The family of former @Titans TE Frank Wycheck has confirmed the positive diagnosis of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Stage III after research following his death in 2023.
More information released by Wycheck’s family: pic.twitter.com/YaLLw6wo91
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) January 9, 2025
CTE is a neurodegenerative disease typically caused by repeated blows to the head and has become a focal point for players and medical personnel alike throughout all levels of football. Repeated head injuries cause damage to the brain that leads to symptoms like dementia, depression, behavioral changes, motor skill problems, and more.
Wycheck isn’t the first player to suspect he has CTE, which is why he wanted to donate his brain for study. Unfortunately, a CTE diagnosis can only be determined post-mortem because the symptoms it causes can also be caused by many other conditions. No blood test or imaging can detect CTE at this time.
The NFL and other professional leagues where concussions are prominent have taken measures over the last 15 years or so to make changes to their respective games. Rule changes, equipment changes, adjustments to workouts, diets, and other regiments. But we won’t see the fruits of that labor for many years.
As a Titan, Wycheck is known for his part in the Music City Miracle. After his playing days, he did a stint as a professional wrestler and was a staple in Nashville radio as a color commentator and radio show host.
We send our deepest condolences to the Wycheck family during this time and extend our heartfelt gratitude for sharing Frank’s story.