The late Frank Wycheck, a former NFL tight end, had an advanced stage of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at the time of his death in December 2023. Wycheck, who is remembered for his role in the “Music City Miracle” play, had been open about his struggles with head injuries and psychological symptoms, and had wished to contribute to research and awareness on the topic.
A study conducted by researchers at Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center confirmed that Wycheck had CTE stage III, which is characterized by significant cognitive and behavioral impairments. CTE is a degenerative brain disease that can result from repeated head injuries, such as concussions or blows to the head.
Wycheck’s family issued a statement, expressing gratitude for the diagnosis and emphasizing its importance in highlighting the risks of CTE in contact sports like football. They hope to honor his legacy by advocating for improved player safety and support for those affected by head injuries.
Wycheck’s daughters, Deanna and Natalie, recalled how their father’s behavior changed over the years, including mood swings, impulsiveness, and unreliability. They now understand that these symptoms were symptoms of CTE, which they believe developed as a result of his repeated head trauma during his 11-year NFL career.
Wycheck had fought to bring attention to the symptoms and struggles he experienced due to CTE, but he also felt helplessly ignored and stigmatized. His daughters wish for increased education and support for NFL alumni and their families, and a better understanding of CTE symptoms and how to identify them.