Researchers Confirm Late NFL Star Frank Wycheck Had Stage III CTE

The diagnosis sheds light on the long-term effects of repeated brain trauma in football and highlights calls for increased support for former players and their families.

Frank Wycheck, a former Tennessee Titans tight end known for his role in the 'Music City Miracle,' was diagnosed with Stage III chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after his death in December 2023.
CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma, can cause symptoms such as memory loss, depression, and aggression, with Stage IV being the most severe form.
Wycheck's family revealed that he struggled with isolation, mood swings, and impulsivity in his retirement, symptoms they now attribute to CTE.
Researchers at Boston University's CTE Center conducted the posthumous diagnosis, continuing their work on understanding the disease's prevalence among football players.
Wycheck's family hopes his diagnosis will raise awareness about CTE, advocating for better education, intervention, and support for NFL alumni and their families.

The Philadelphia Inquirer