Tracy Scroggins Passes Away at 56: Family Attributes Death to CTE

Tracy Scroggins, a former linebacker for the Detroit Lions, has passed away at the age of 56.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tracy Scroggins,” his family stated in a message shared with media outlets on February 9. “Tracy was a devoted father, cherished family member, and loyal friend whose life was marked by remarkable strength and perseverance.”

While Scroggins enjoyed a decade-long career in the NFL, his family pointed to the sport's physical demands as a potential contributor to his early death.

“Playing in the NFL gave Tracy the opportunity to pursue his lifelong dream and to rise from poverty,” they continued. “However, unfortunately, the NFL was also ultimately the cause of his untimely demise.”

Scroggins’ family revealed that he battled chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after retirement. “Tracy spent every moment of retirement courageously battling the devastating effects of CTE. While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace,” they expressed.

CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head injuries, can only be diagnosed posthumously through an autopsy. The family has not disclosed whether they will pursue this examination for Scroggins.

The Mayo Clinic indicates that CTE is prevalent among athletes in contact sports like football and boxing, as well as military veterans exposed to explosive blasts. Symptoms may manifest years or even decades after the initial trauma, affecting cognitive functions and emotional stability.

Before his NFL career, Scroggins played college football at Coffeyville Community College and later at the University of Tulsa, where he made a name for himself.

Selected in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Lions, Scroggins dedicated his entire professional career to the franchise, retiring after the 2001 season.

The Detroit Lions expressed their condolences through social media, sharing a tribute photo of Scroggins during his time with the team. “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),” they wrote on X.

His family emphasized that Scroggins’ legacy extends beyond football. “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,” they noted in their statement.

Funeral services are scheduled to take place in Scroggins’ hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma, on February 27. “Thank you for all the outpouring of support, prayers and condolences during this difficult time,” concluded the family’s message.