Tracy Scroggins Dead - Retired Detroit Lions Player Passes Away at Age 56

Retired pro football player Tracy Scroggins has sadly passed away.

On Monday (February 9), it was announced that the NFL star, who spent all 10 seasons of his career playing for the Detroit Lions, had died at the age of 56.

Tracy‘s family revealed his passing in a touching tribute.

Keep reading to find out more…“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tracy Scroggins,” the Scroggins family shared in a statement with TMZ.

“Tracy was a devoted father, cherished family member, and loyal friend whose life was marked by remarkable strength and perseverance,” his family continued. “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 concluded, “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.”

Funeral services for Tracy will be held in his hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma on February 27.

Tracy, a linebacker and defensive end, was drafted to the Lions in 1992 and played with the team until he retired from football in 2001.

In 2016, he filed a lawsuit against the NFL, alleging Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which is “a brain disease likely caused by repeated head injuries. It causes the death of nerve cells in the brain, known as degeneration,” per the Mayo Clinic.

Our thoughts are with Tracy Scroggins‘ loved ones during this difficult time. RIP.