Saturday saw the tragic demise of former NFL professional and Tennessee Titans tight end, Frank Wycheck, at the age of 52. Wycheck was discovered unconscious in his Chattanooga residence after a fall that resulted in a severe head injury. The medical staff at the hospital pronounced him dead. The following day, his family released a statement, confirming his death and remembering him as “a loving father, son, brother, and friend”.
Wycheck had an illustrious NFL career, spanning 11 seasons where he represented both the Washington Redskins and the Houston Oilers, which later became the Tennessee Titans. His contributions to the game were recognised with a three-time Pro Bowl selection, and he played a pivotal role in the famed “Music City Miracle” play, which propelled the Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000. Post-retirement in 2003, Wycheck’s career stats boasted 505 receptions, 5,126 yards, and 28 touchdowns. He then transitioned to radio hosting for 104.5 The Zone in Nashville, a role he relinquished in 2017 due to health issues.
Wycheck’s personal life, particularly his relationship status and divorce settlement, has been a topic of public interest. He married Cherryn Krol in 1995, while he was still with the Houston Oilers, and the couple had two children, Deanna (born in 1991) and Madison (born in 1997). Unfortunately, their marriage didn’t stand the test of time, ending after his NFL retirement. The specifics of the divorce settlement are not public knowledge, giving rise to speculation about possible alimony and child support payments from Wycheck, as well as the custody arrangement for their children.
Despite his personal tribulations, Wycheck was a dedicated advocate for the Tennessee Special Olympics and hosted the annual Wycheck Harley Ride charity event. His commitment to his family was evident, especially in light of his health issues. He did not remarry or form a new partnership before his death, instead focusing on personal pursuits and maintaining privacy.
Wycheck’s eldest daughter, Deanna, got married in 2019, but the details about his younger daughter, Madison, and their relationship remain private. His death has sent shockwaves through the sports world and among his fans, friends, and past teammates, who remember him as both an exceptional athlete and a kind-hearted individual.
Wycheck’s health challenges included ongoing migraines, anxiety, and depression, which he attributed to concussions and head injuries from his playing days. He was concerned about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition associated with repeated head trauma. He had planned to donate his brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation posthumously. His absence is felt deeply by all those who admired and loved him, both on and off the pitch.
