Tracy Scroggins, a 10-year Detroit Lions veteran, has sadly died at the age of 56. His family released a statement to TMZ regarding his death.
Videos by Wide Open Country
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tracy Scroggins," the statement begins. "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."
Scroggins, a career defensive end and linebacker, amassed 142 regular-season NFL games in his career. He played in an additional five postseason games. Unfortunately, his high workload for the Lions left him battling CTE after he retired from the league.
"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," the Scroggins family statement continued. "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."
Tracy Scroggins Filed a Lawsuit Against the NFL in 2016, Alleging CTE
When Scroggins filed his lawsuit against the NFL in 2016, it stated a preliminary diagnosis of CTE, per CNN.
In the suit, Scroggins claimed that between the 1970s and 1990s, NFL players were taught to use their helmet as weapons when blocking or tackling the opposition.
"These techniques were condoned by the NFL and/or not significantly condemned by the NFL, despite the defendant's awareness that this practice was causing an increased risk in repeated head trauma leading to CTE among players," CNN shared.
When speaking with USA Today at the time, NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy noted that he expected the suit to be dismissed. His belief was due to Scroggins being part of a previous settlement regarding the league's concussion protocol.
"The complaint is barred by the concussion litigation settlement and we expect it to be dismissed," McCarthy told USA Today. "Mr. Scroggins is a member of the settlement class and did not choose to opt out. He is eligible to pursue the benefits provided under the settlement agreement, but may not pursue any action in court, either on his own behalf or on behalf of other former players, more than 99 percent of whom have accepted the settlement."
Scroggins' cause of death hasn't been made public at this time. However, it's clear that he will be missed, not only by his family, but also by those he shared a locker room with, competed against, and served as an inspiration to. Our thoughts go out to his family.
