Former Lions Star Tracy Scroggins Dies at 56 After CTE Battle

Scroggins played 10 seasons for the Detroit Lions and was one of nearly 5,000 players to file concussion-related lawsuits against the NFL.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 8:39pm

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Tracy Scroggins, a former defensive player for the Detroit Lions who spent 10 seasons with the team, has died at the age of 56. Scroggins' family announced that he had been battling the effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) during his retirement years.

Why it matters

Scroggins' passing highlights the ongoing issue of CTE and its impact on former NFL players. His case is one of many that have brought increased attention to the long-term health consequences of playing professional football and the need for better player safety protocols.

The details

Scroggins was selected in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, where he played both defensive end and linebacker. He recorded 60.5 sacks during his 10-year career, the seventh-most in franchise history. Scroggins was one of nearly 5,000 players to file concussion-related lawsuits against the NFL before the league's 2015 concussion settlement.

  • Scroggins played 10 seasons for the Detroit Lions from 1992 to 2001.
  • Scroggins filed an additional claim against the NFL in 2016, stating he was suffering from symptoms consistent with CTE.
  • Scroggins passed away on February 9, 2026 at the age of 56.

The players

Tracy Scroggins

A former defensive player who spent 10 seasons with the Detroit Lions, ranking seventh in franchise history with 60.5 sacks.

Tim Howard

Scroggins' lawyer who stated in 2016 that his client was suffering from memory issues, depression, and angry outbursts consistent with CTE.

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What they’re saying

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tracy Scroggins. Tracy was a devoted father, cherished family member, and loyal friend whose life was marked by remarkable strength and perseverance.”

— Tracy Scroggins' Family (TMZ)

“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. Tracy spent every moment of retirement courageously battling the devastating effects of CTE.”

— Tracy Scroggins' Family (TMZ)

What’s next

It is unclear if Scroggins' family will have his brain tested to confirm the CTE diagnosis, as CTE can only be definitively diagnosed through a neuropathological autopsy after death.

The takeaway

Scroggins' tragic passing underscores the ongoing challenges former NFL players face with CTE and the need for the league to continue prioritizing player safety and long-term health. His story serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by professional athletes and the importance of addressing the mental and physical toll of playing such a physically demanding sport.