Trendfeed

Former Titans Tight End Frank Wycheck Dies at Age 52


Even following his retirement, Wycheck remained a popular public figure in Middle Tennessee. After his playing career, Wycheck did color commentary for Titans Radio, and he was a popular sports talk radio host for 104.5-FM’s “The Wake Up Zone” in Nashville. Wycheck ended up moving back home to Philadelphia, before moving to Chattanooga more recently to be with his family.

Wycheck played in 137 games with the Titans, and he caught 28 touchdowns. During one stretch he had a team-record 99 consecutive games in which he caught at least one pass. Wycheck led the Titans in receiving for three consecutive seasons (1999-2001). He also went 5-for-6 passing the ball in his career, resulting in 148 yards and two touchdowns, with a perfect passer rating of 158.3.

The signature play of his career ended up being a lateral on a kickoff return, known simply as the Music City Miracle. It was Wycheck who threw the cross-field pass to Kevin Dyson during the AFC Wild Card game against the Bills on Jan. 8, 2000. Dyson then went 75 yards for a touchdown in Tennessee’s win.

Wycheck was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2013, and he was honored as the 12th Titan prior to the Titans’ 2013 regular-season opener against the Chargers. Wycheck is a member of the franchise’s Ring of Honor.

He had his hand in several charitable projects throughout his career, best known for his efforts with Special Olympics Tennessee. His annual Harley Ride for Special Olympics Tennessee gained fame and earned substantial contributions for the non-profit.

“Overall, I think he was one of the top players ever to play for us because of what he did both on and off the field,” late Titans owner Bud Adams said when Wycheck retired.

Wycheck arrived in the NFL as a sixth-round pick by Washington out of the University of Maryland. He was signed by the Houston Oilers in 1995, and he became a Titan.

A number of concussions ultimately contributed to Wycheck’s decision to retire at the age of 32.

But he hardly left with regrets.

“I did everything I set out to do and much more,” Wycheck said at his retirement press conference. “From a guy who wasn’t even supposed to be in a training camp, let alone to where I ended up, I’m truly proud and I couldn’t ask for anything more. It’s been a truly great ride.”



Source link

Exit mobile version