Frank Wycheck, a former Pro Bowl tight end synonymous with the “Music City Miracle” play, died Saturday at age 52.
According to a statement from his family, Wycheck was found unresponsive in his Chattanooga home. He appeared to fall and hit his head.
Onlookers grieved for Wycheck’s sudden loss Sunday.
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and former teammate Frank Wycheck,” former NFL quarterback Rich Gannon wrote. “Great man gone way too soon! RIP brother.”
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
“Awful news. When I covered the Titans, Frank Wycheck could not have been nicer, classier or more professional. R.I.P,” The Times-Picayune‘s Jeff Duncan said.
Awful news. When I covered the Titans, Frank Wycheck could not have been nicer, classier or more professional. R.I.P. 🙏 https://t.co/c5vKPEfTu0
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) December 10, 2023
“Frank Wycheck’s legacy is one that Titans fans can hold high with utmost confidence,” a fan wrote. “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.”
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
“Frank Wycheck was an all-time great Titan, phenomenal radio host, and seemed like just an awesome dude. I hate this. RIP Frank,” a fan account said.
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
“This saddens me greatly,” hockey writer Alex Daugherty said. “Frank was such a force in many people’s lives. Terrible, terrible news.”
This saddens me greatly. Frank was such a force in many people’s lives.
Terrible, terrible news. https://t.co/nMgH8mzclw
— Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) December 10, 2023
Wycheck spent nine of his 11 NFL seasons with the Titans from 1995 to 2003. He tallied 4,963 yards and 28 touchdowns in 137 regular-season games with the organization, but he’s most remembered for one postseason play.
On Jan. 8, 2020, Wycheck threw a cross-field lateral to Kevin Dyson. The Titans wide receiver scored a game-winning touchdown on the kickoff return with seconds remaining to stun the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round matchup.
Wycheck also received three straight Pro Bowl nods from 1998 to 2000. After retiring, he called color commentary and hosted a sports talk radio show in Tennessee.
Our condolences go out to Wycheck’s loved ones.