Former Lions Defensive End Tracy Scroggins Dies at 56

Scroggins had 60 1/2 sacks over 10 seasons with the Detroit Lions

Feb. 9, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Tracy Scroggins, a former defensive end who played 10 seasons for the Detroit Lions and recorded 60 1/2 sacks, has died at the age of 56. The Lions announced Scroggins' passing on Monday, though a cause of death was not provided.

Why it matters

Scroggins was a standout player for the Lions, ranking third in franchise history in sacks since the stat became official in 1982. His death at a relatively young age is a loss for the Lions organization and the NFL community.

The details

Scroggins was drafted by the Lions in the second round in 1992 and went on to play 142 games for the team, starting 89. He had a career-high 9 1/2 sacks and 45 tackles in 1995, and had at least 6 sacks in 7 different seasons. Scroggins helped the Lions reach the playoffs 5 times during his tenure with the team.

  • Scroggins played for the Detroit Lions from 1992 to 2001.
  • The Lions announced Scroggins' death on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Tracy Scroggins

A former defensive end who played 10 seasons for the Detroit Lions, recording 60 1/2 sacks which ranks third in franchise history since sacks became an official stat in 1982.

Robert Porcher

A former defensive end for the Detroit Lions who had more sacks than Scroggins in franchise history.

Michael Cofer

A former defensive end for the Detroit Lions who had more sacks than Scroggins in franchise history.

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The takeaway

Scroggins' passing at the age of 56 is a tragic loss for the Lions organization and the NFL community. As a standout defensive end who helped the team reach the playoffs multiple times, Scroggins left a lasting legacy in Detroit and will be remembered as one of the franchise's all-time great players.