Former Detroit Lions star Tracy Scroggins has died. He was 56 years old.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tracy Scroggins,” the late NFL player’s family said. TMZ in a statement on Monday, February 9. “Tracy was a devoted father, beloved family member and loyal friend whose life was marked by remarkable strength and perseverance.”
Scroggins’ family noticed how much he loved to play soccer — was a contributor and defensive end in the NFL for a decade, but pointed to the physicality of the sport as a possible factor in its untimely demise.
“Playing in the NFL gave Tracy the opportunity to pursue his lifelong dream and rise out of poverty,” the statement continued. “However, unfortunately, the NFL was also ultimately the cause of his untimely death.”
Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Kevin Johnson died at age 55 of “blunt head trauma and stab wounds,” the Los Angeles County medical examiner has determined. His death is being investigated as a homicide. Johnson was found dead on Wednesday, January 21, at a homeless encampment in Los Angeles after officers responded to a report (…)
The family explained, “Tracy spent every moment of retirement bravely fighting the devastating effects of CTE. Although our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that she is finally at peace.”
According to his loved ones, Scroggins suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease “probably caused by repeated head injuries,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
CTE causes nerve cells in the brain to degenerate and gets worse over time, but can only be diagnosed after death through an autopsy. (Scroggins’ family has not publicly shared whether they will perform an autopsy on Scroggins’ brain.)
The Mayo Clinic notes that CTE has been found in contact sports such as football and boxing and can also occur in military vets “exposed to explosive blasts.”
According to the nonprofit health organization, symptoms are believed to develop “years to decades after head trauma occurs” and can include problems with “thinking and emotions,” decreased motor skills and increased impulsive behavior.
Before his death, Scroggins made a name for himself as a football player. The Oklahoma native attended Coffeyville Community College before transferring to the University of Tulsa and playing for the Golden Hurricane.
Tracy Scroggins takes on Raymond Harris.
Matthew Stockman/AllsportScroggins was selected in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He played his entire career with the franchise, retiring after 10 years following the end of the 2001 season.
the lions he mourned the loss of Scroggins via a statement on social media Monday, sharing a photo of the former athlete during his tenure with the organization.
“We join the NFL community in mourning the loss of Lions legend Tracy Scroggins, who played his entire 10-year career in Detroit (1992-2001),” the team wrote. via X.
Many former football stars, both college and NFL, are dead by 2025. Thank you! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to Newsletters Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive Us Weekly Deal of the Day emails. Buyers say this (…)
Scroggins’ family, meanwhile, reminded fans that the late player’s legacy is about more than what he did on the field.
“While many knew him for his career as a professional football player in the NFL, those closest to him knew him as a kind-hearted and generous man who cared deeply for his family and friends,” his inner circle said in the statement Monday.
The family added that funeral services will be held in Scroggins’ hometown of Checotah, Okla., on Friday, February 27.
“Thank you for all the support, prayers and condolences during this difficult time,” the statement concluded.