Frank Wycheck, former tight end for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans, passed away at the age of 52 on Saturday. According to his family’s statement, Wycheck apparently fell in his Chattanooga, Tennessee, home, hitting his head on Saturday morning. He was discovered unresponsive later in the day.
Wycheck, a distinguished member of the Titans’ Ring of Honor, made significant contributions to the Oilers/Titans franchise, amassing 482 receptions for 4,958 yards and 27 touchdowns. His impressive record places him third in franchise history for receptions. Wycheck earned Pro Bowl honors three times (1998, 1999, and 2000).
A pivotal figure during the Oilers’ relocation to Tennessee in 1997, Wycheck is best remembered for his role in the iconic “Music City Miracle.” This historic play occurred on January 8, 2000, during an AFC wild-card playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Adelphia Coliseum in Nashville. With 16 seconds remaining and the Bills leading 16-15, Wycheck executed a lateral pass to wide receiver/kick returner Kevin Dyson, who sprinted 75 yards to secure the game-winning touchdown, resulting in the Titans’ 22-16 victory.
Expressing deep sorrow over Wycheck’s passing, Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk emphasized his enduring impact on and off the field. Strunk highlighted Wycheck’s role in the community, describing him as a beloved figure associated with Titans football.
Selected by Washington in the sixth round of the 1993 draft from the University of Maryland, Wycheck joined the Oilers after being claimed off waivers in 1995. Throughout his 11-year career, he amassed 505 receptions for 5,126 yards and 28 touchdowns. Post-retirement, Wycheck assumed color commentary duties on the Titans Radio Network from the 2005 season until his decision to step down before the 2017 preseason due to lingering head issues from his football career.
Wycheck is survived by his two daughters, Deanna and Madison, along with their spouses and his grandchildren—Leo, Stevie, and August. In accordance with his wishes, the family intends to collaborate with experts for ongoing research on brain injuries (TBI) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
