Former Lions linebacker Tracy Scroggins dies at 56 as family cites possible CTE

Tracy Scroggins, a erstwhile standout Detroit Lions linebacker, has died, his household announced connected Monday. He was 56.

"It is with profound sadness that we denote the passing of our beloved Tracy Scroggins," his household said successful a connection sent to TMZ. 

Scroggins' loved ones said helium volition beryllium remembered for his spot and perseverance.

"Tracy was a devoted father, cherished household member, and loyal person whose beingness was marked by singular spot and perseverance," the connection continued. "While galore knew him for his vocation arsenic a nonrecreational shot subordinate successful the NFL, those closest to him knew him arsenic a kind-hearted and generous antheral who cared profoundly for his household and friends."

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Detroit Lions linebacker Tracy Scroggins (97) during the 1995 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game against the Philadelphia Eagles connected Dec. 30, 1995 astatine Veterans Stadium successful Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Greg Crisp/Getty Images)

The household cited imaginable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) successful confirming his death. Researchers person linked the encephalon information to repeated trauma to the caput oregon repeated concussions.

"Playing successful the NFL gave Tracy the accidental to prosecute his lifelong imagination and to emergence from poverty," the connection added. "However, unfortunately, the NFL was besides yet the origin of his untimely demise. Tracy spent each infinitesimal of status courageously battling the devastating effects of CTE. While our hearts are heavy, we find comfortableness successful knowing that helium is yet astatine peace."

It was unclear whether Scroggins’ household planned to person his encephalon tested for CTE. Scroggins was among the radical of players who filed concussion-related lawsuits against the league up of the 2015 concussion settlement.

Robert Porcher (91) and Tracy Scroggins (97) of the Detroit Lions locomotion connected the tract during the crippled against the Minnesota Vikings astatine the Silverdome successful Pontiac, Michigan connected Oct. 1, 2000.   (Tom Pidgeon /Allsport)

FORMER NFL STAR FRANK WYCHECK SUFFERED FROM CTE PRIOR TO DEATH, RESEARCHERS SAY

Scroggins’ NFL vocation spanned a decade, each of which helium spent successful a Lions uniform. The Oklahoma autochthonal arrived successful Detroit aft the franchise selected him successful the 2nd circular of the 1992 NFL Draft. Before making it to the pro shot ranks, Scroggins played assemblage shot astatine Tulsa.

Detroit Lions linebacker Tracy Scroggins looks connected from the sideline during a crippled against the Minnesota Vikings astatine the Pontiac Silverdome connected Dec. 17, 1994 successful Pontiac, Michigan. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

In summation to football, Scroggins played connected his precocious schoolhouse hoops and way teams.

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He finished his vocation with 60.5 sacks, the seventh-most successful Lions history.

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