The Tennessee Titans have lost one of their franchise greats after former tight end Frank Wycheck passed away at the age of 52.
Per a statement from his family, via Titans beat writer Paul Kuharsky, Wycheck died after an apparent fall in his Chattanooga home on Saturday.
He is survived by his two adult daughters, Deanna and Madison, and his three grandchildren, Leo, Stevie and August.
At this time, it appears Wycheck fell inside his Chattanooga, TN home and hit his head on Saturday morning. He was found unresponsive that afternoon.
Wycheck moved to Chattanooga, TN this past summer to be closer to his family. He leaves behind two adult daughters, Deanna and Madison, both married, and three grandchildren — Leo, Stevie and August.
The family, per his wishes, plans to work with experts for on-going brain injury (TBI) and CTE research. Funeral services have not yet been made at this time.
The Wycheck family appreciates the love and support they’ve received, but asks the public to please respect their privacy during this difficult time. Thank you.
Wycheck became one of the best and most beloved players in franchise history after being claimed by the Houston Oilers off waivers in 1995.
The Tennessee Titans mourn the loss of a beloved member of our Titans family, Frank Wycheck 💙 pic.twitter.com/3XoR3HXBle
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 10, 2023
The tight end ranks seventh in franchise history in receiving yards, and first among tight ends in that category. He also threw the lateral to Kevin Dyson that sparked the legendary “Music City Miracle” play in the 1999 playoffs.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Titans fans and the rest of the football world shared their condolences upon hearing the awful news.
Very sad news of #Titans legend Frank Wycheck's passing. Wycheck was one of 17 members of the Titans' Ring of Honor. Wycheck was Tennessee's 3rd all-time career receptions leader (482), 7th in receiving yards (4,958) and 10th in career TDs (27).
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) December 10, 2023
You will be missed
https://t.co/3kV1q18hrX— Delanie Walker (@delaniewalker82) December 10, 2023
Sad news on the man who helped bring us the Music City Miracle and so much more. RIP Frank Wycheck. https://t.co/jHGMScf9P9
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 10, 2023
Deepest condolences to the family of former #Titans and @TerpsFootball tight end Frank Wycheck pic.twitter.com/cRH8TTlbzm
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 10, 2023
Frank Wycheck was all-time great Titan and was the first great Titan to move into an off field position where the fans could learn from his insight and get to know his big personality. I cheered for him as a player and listened to him every AM with Mark and Kevin. A huge loss.
— Jared Stillman (@JaredStillman) December 10, 2023
When I think about young QB’s in the NFL, I believe it’s important to get him a sure-handed TE. A safe and productive option, like Dalton Schultz has been for CJ Stroud. And I believe that because Frank Wycheck was SO important for Steve McNair as he ascended into a great QB.
— Jared Stillman (@JaredStillman) December 10, 2023
Frank Wycheck was an integral part of @1045TheZone & @TitansRadio for many years. News of his passing is surreal and sad to say the least.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time. As I prepare to fly to Miami, I think of the many flights he was my “seat mate.”— Rhett Bryan 📻 (@rhettbtennessee) December 10, 2023
RIP Frank Wycheck. My brother and I thought of him as a god as kids. As we get older the sad realities of life remind us no one is invincible, but truly a hero to me as a kid.
A sad day for #Titans nation.
— TicTacTitans (@TicTacTitans) December 10, 2023
Frank Wycheck was an all-time great Titan, phenomenal radio host, and seemed like just an awesome dude. I hate this. RIP Frank.
— Two Tone Fanatics (@twotonefanatics) December 10, 2023
Saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and former teammate Frank Wycheck. Great man gone way too soon! RIP brother
— Rich Gannon (@RichGannon12) December 10, 2023
Nooooooo!!!! 😢 😭 …just gutted, man. I’ll always believe in Miracles!! 🙏🏻 89 and 9 together again …..hope ya’ll are celebrating in paradise according!! RIP Frank Wycheck pic.twitter.com/AWS1fvCmnM
— James Nissen ⚔️🆙🔥🐺 (@TheRealJNeezy) December 10, 2023
Mannn! 😢😢😢
RIP to my Big Bro and Titans Legend @FrankWycheck1 #TitanUp #Legend #GoneTooSoon
🕊️🕊️🕊️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽— Bo Scaife (@BoScaife80) December 10, 2023
Sad news about former Maryland great Frank Wycheck https://t.co/WcLVVPR4OV
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 10, 2023
Frank Wycheck was at the front of the rising utilization of tight ends in vertical passing games, and a large component of one of the most dramatic playoff wins in NFL history. RIP. #MusicCityMiracle https://t.co/AIG671nAwj
— Neal Coolong (@NealCoolong) December 10, 2023
So sad to hear former Oilers-Titans TE Frank Wycheck has died at 52. Frank began his career in Houston before becoming one of the best players in team history with the Titans. He also was a terrific sports talk show host and analyst for the Titans. Condolences to his family.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) December 10, 2023
Frank Wycheck’s legacy is one that #Titans fans can hold high with utmost confidence.
Franchise legend, symbol of toughness and heart during the prime of the franchise, and Mike Keith’s wonderful broadcast partner on Titans radio.
Sad, sad day.
— Tre (@TreJeanNFL) December 10, 2023
Terrible news. Really underrated player. One of the NFL's best TEs for years. https://t.co/4j8QnEMcNs
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 10, 2023
When the #Oilers first moved here, it was not an easy transition and Frank Wycheck was one of the faces of the franchise in those early days who helped win over fans with his likeable personality – first as a player and then as a broadcaster. RIP No. 89.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) December 10, 2023
RIP Frank Wycheck https://t.co/yfQtzOxrav
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) December 10, 2023
RIP Frank Wycheck 🙏
A talented Pro Bowl tight end for those early #Titans teams who played a vital role in one of the most memorable plays in #NFL history
Tennessee's "Home Run Throwback" kickoff return in the 1999 AFC Wild Card Game
The "Music City Miracle" pic.twitter.com/cXhQ319qLq
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) December 10, 2023
#titans RIP Frank Wycheck. A true Tennessee Titans legend and good human being. Very thankful for watching you growing up. Rest easy 🥺
— Cyrus (@Primetime85) December 10, 2023
Sad news today. Frank Wycheck was one of my favorites over the years. https://t.co/zRXx8byxZT
— Matt Chatham (@RebMattATL) December 10, 2023
Awful news. Frank Wycheck was one of the players that defined the early days of the #Titans in Nashville. RIP to a legend. https://t.co/0CPXEC4Inh
— Boyd (@Boyd_1212) December 10, 2023
