Former NFL player Tracy Scroggins, who spent all 10 seasons of his career as a member of the Detroit Lions, has died at the age of 56.
Scroggins, who filed a lawsuit against the NFL in 2016, was described as a ‘a kind-hearted and generous man’ by his family in a statement confirming his death on Monday. No cause of death has yet been given he had been struggling with memory issues and depression for over 10 years.
‘It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tracy Scroggins,’ the Scroggins family said, via TMZ.
‘Tracy was a devoted father, cherished family member, and loyal friend whose life was marked by remarkable strength and perseverance. 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.’
The statement added: ‘Playing in the NFL gave Tracy the opportunity to pursue his lifelong dream and to rise from poverty. However, unfortunately, the NFL was also ultimately the cause of his untimely demise. 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.’
Scroggins had 60 1/2 sacks in 10 seasons as a playmaking defensive end for the Detroit Lions.
Former NFL player Tracy Scroggins, who spent his entire career with the Detroit Lions, has died
Scroggins had 60 1/2 sacks in 10 seasons as a playmaking defensive end for Detroit
In 2016, Scroggins sued the NFL, citing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
He had career highs in sacks (9 1/2) and tackles (45), forced two fumbles and returned one for a touchdown in 1995. He had at least six sacks in seven seasons.
He played in 142 games, starting 89, in the regular season and helped the Lions reach the playoffs five times after Detroit drafted him in the second round in 1992.
Scroggins was from Checotah, Oklahoma, where he was on the football, basketball and track teams in high school. He attended Coffeyville Community College in Kansas and went on to star at Tulsa.
Scroggins was one of nearly 5,000 players to file concussion-related lawsuits against the NFL before the league’s sweeping concussion settlement in 2015.
In 2016, Scroggins sued the NFL in a separate, additional claim, citing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Scroggins sought $5million after he was preliminarily diagnosed with the brain disease, the result of repeated head trauma.
CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death through a neuropathological autopsy. It was not immediately clear whether Scroggins’ family would have his brain tested.
‘He can’t remember where he is or where he’s going,’ his lawyer at the time, Tim Howard, told USA TODAY Sports in 2016.
‘He hasn’t been able to hold a job over the last six years. Beyond memory issues, he suffers from depression and has angry outbursts.’
