Ex-Lions great Tracy Scroggins dies, and family raises CTE concerns

Tracy Scroggins, a former standout linebacker for the Detroit Lions, has died, his household introduced Monday. He was 56.

“It’s with nice unhappiness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tracy Scroggins,” his household stated in an announcement sent to TMZ.

Scroggins’ family members stated he shall be remembered for his power and perseverance.

“Tracy was a faithful father, a beloved member of the family and a loyal buddy whose life was marked by outstanding power and perseverance,” the assertion continued. “Whereas many knew him for his profession as knowledgeable soccer participant within the NFL, these closest to him knew him as a kind-hearted and beneficiant man who cared deeply for his household and mates.”

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Detroit Lions linebacker Tracy Scroggins throughout a 1995 NFC wild-card playoff recreation towards the Philadelphia Eagles on December 30, 1995 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia (Greg Crisp/Getty Pictures)

The household cited attainable persistent traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) to verify his demise. Researchers have linked the mind dysfunction to repetitive trauma to the pinnacle or repeated concussions.

“Taking part in within the NFL gave Tracy the chance to pursue his lifelong dream and rise out of poverty,” the assertion stated. “Sadly, the NFL was additionally in the end the reason for his premature passing. Tracy spent each second of his retirement courageously battling the devastating results of CTE. Whereas our hearts are heavy, we take consolation in understanding he’s lastly at peace.”

It was unclear whether or not Scroggins’ household deliberate to have his mind examined for CTE. Scroggins was amongst a gaggle of gamers who filed concussion-related lawsuits towards the league previous to a 2015 concussion settlement.

Robert Porcher (91) and Tracy Scroggins (97) of the Detroit Lions stroll the sphere throughout a recreation towards the Minnesota Vikings on the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, October 1, 2000. (Tom Pidgeon/Allsport)

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Scroggins’ NFL profession spanned a decade, all of which he spent in a Lions uniform. The Oklahoma native arrived in Detroit after the franchise chosen him within the second spherical of the 1992 NFL Draft. Earlier than turning professional, Scroggins performed faculty soccer at Tulsa.

Detroit Lions linebacker Tracy Scroggins stands on the sideline throughout a recreation towards the Minnesota Vikings on the Pontiac Silverdome on December 17, 1994 in Pontiac, Michigan. (George Gojkovich/Getty Pictures)

Along with soccer, Scroggins performed on his highschool basketball and monitor groups.

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He completed his profession with 60½ sacks, seventh most in Lions historical past.

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