Former Tennessee Titans TE Frank Wycheck Dead at 52

On the eve of what ended up being the most controversial play of the NFL weekend involving a lateral pass, former Tennessee Titans Tight End Frank Wycheck passed away on Saturday.

Wycheck was part of the “Music City Miracle” play during the 1999 NFL playoff season.

That play etched itself in the memory of fans, having been voted the 4^th Greatest Play in NFL history.

He’s Gone

In the 1999 AFC Wild Card game (played on January 8, 2000), the Bills had just taken the lead with only 16 seconds left on the clock.

In the ensuing kickoff, Lorenzo Neal took possession, then he handed the ball off to Wycheck, who then lateralled the ball to Kevin Dyson, who then took off down the sidelines to score the game-winning touchdown.

I am still not convinced that was a backward pass, but the play did go under review and the TD held up…

The Titans then beat the Colts and the Jaguars to advance to Super Bowl XXXIV, where they lost a heartbreaking game to the Rams when, oddly enough, Kevin Dyson was tackled at the 1-yard line to end the game.

Wycheck was drafted in the sixth round by the Washington Redskins in 1993, and was then claimed off waivers by the Houston Oilers, which later became the Tennessee Titans in 1995, where he would stay until he retired in 2003/

He was a Second Team All-Pro in 2000 and made the Pro Bowl three consecutive years from 1998 to 2000.

His family confirmed his death was related to a fall inside his home, stating, "At this time, it appears Frank Wycheck fell inside his Chattanooga, TN home and hit his head on Saturday morning.

“He was found unresponsive that afternoon.

“Wycheck moved to Chattanooga, TN, this past summer to be closer to his family. He leaves behind two adult daughters, Deanna and Madison, both married, and three grandchildren - Leo, Stevie and August."

The Titans also expressed their condolences on X…

The Tennessee Titans mourn the loss of a beloved member of our Titans family, Frank Wycheck 💙 pic.twitter.com/3XoR3HXBle

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 10, 2023

Rest in peace, Frank, and thanks for those amazing gridiron memories.