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Checotah Today
By the People, for the People
Former Lions Defensive End Tracy Scroggins Dies at 56
Scroggins was the third-leading sack leader in franchise history with 60.5 sacks over 10 seasons.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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Tracy Scroggins, a former defensive end for the Detroit Lions who ranks third in franchise history with 60.5 career sacks, has died at the age of 56. Scroggins played 10 seasons in the NFL, all with the Lions, and helped the team reach the playoffs five times during his tenure.
Why it matters
Scroggins was a key part of some of the more successful seasons in Lions history, including helping the team reach the playoffs three years in a row from 1993-1995, which is the only time the Lions have accomplished that feat in the Super Bowl era. His passing is a loss for the Lions organization and their fanbase.
The details
Scroggins was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft out of the University of Tulsa, where he was a standout defender. Prior to that, he played at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, where he was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2002. With the Lions, Scroggins played in 142 games, including 89 starts, and his 60.5 career sacks rank third in franchise history behind only Michael Cofer (62.5) and Robert Porcher (95.5).
- Scroggins was drafted by the Lions in 1992.
- He played 10 seasons in the NFL, all with the Lions, from 1992 to 2001.
- The Lions reached the playoffs five times during Scroggins' tenure with the team.
- Scroggins helped the Lions reach the playoffs three years in a row from 1993 to 1995.
The players
Tracy Scroggins
A former defensive end who played 10 seasons in the NFL, all with the Detroit Lions. He ranks third in franchise history with 60.5 career sacks.
Barry Sanders
A Hall of Fame running back who played for the Detroit Lions and was a key part of the team's success during Scroggins' tenure.
Michael Cofer
A former defensive end for the Detroit Lions who ranks second in franchise history with 62.5 career sacks.
Robert Porcher
A former defensive end for the Detroit Lions who ranks first in franchise history with 95.5 career sacks.
What they’re saying
“We join the NFL community in mourning the loss of Lions Legend Tracy Scroggins, who played his entire 10-year career in Detroit (1992-2001).”
— Detroit Lions (Twitter)
The takeaway
Scroggins' passing is a significant loss for the Detroit Lions organization and their fanbase, as he was a key contributor during one of the more successful stretches in the team's history, helping them reach the playoffs five times in his 10 seasons with the team.
