Head Concussions: Frank Wycheck’s family reveals CTE diagnosis
January 9, 2025
“The family of late Tennessee Titans great Frank Wycheck announced the former tight end tested positive for Stage III Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in hopes the diagnosis will raise awareness on the dangers of brain damage from head concussions in contact sports,” TMZ shared on their website.
Wycheck spent seven seasons of his 11-year NFL career with Tennessee, earning all three of his Pro Bowl selections during that stint. Unfortunately, Wycheck passed away on Dec. 9, 2023 after he fell and hit his head at his home. After his death, Wycheck’s family teamed up with Boston University’s CTE Center to study his brain and history of head concussions, and it was revealed that he tested positive for Stage III CTE.
Frank Wycheck’s death further highlights concerns surrounding CTE
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Wycheck has become the latest deceased NFL player to be diagnosed with CTE, continuing a concerning trend of this dangerous brain disease plaguing the league’s players from head concussions during and after their careers. Wycheck had previously said he had no doubt that he had CTE, and that he was going to donate his brain to research in order to promote more awareness among players and fans.
People with Stage III CTE typically experience various cognitive difficulties, such as memory loss or problems with planning. The Wycheck’s are hoping that the former star tight end’s case can be used to highlight just how dangerous head concussions and CTE can be, and the NFL will remain vigilant in their attempt to find ways to better protect their players from this vicious disease.
