Checotah mourns loss of beloved local hero Tracy Scroggins

Scroggins, a former NFL player, passed away at age 56 along with his mother

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Checotah community is grieving the loss of one of their own, Tracy Scroggins, who passed away at the age of 56 in Hollywood, Florida on February 6, 2026. Scroggins was a local hero, known for his athletic prowess from a young age and later playing 10 seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions after being drafted in 1992. He was also a graduate of the University of Detroit with a degree in Criminal Justice. Scroggins' name lives on in his hometown through the field house and playground named after him.

Why it matters

Scroggins was a beloved figure in Checotah who embodied the town's spirit through his athletic achievements and community involvement. His passing, along with that of his mother, has left a void in the lives of those who knew and admired him.

The details

Scroggins was born in Checotah on September 11, 1969 to Sonny Scroggins and Angeline Carter. From a young age, he was known for his speed and agility, and believed he would play professional football. After graduating from Checotah, he went on to play at Coffeyville, Kansas and then the University of Tulsa before being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1992. Scroggins played for the Lions for 10 years, while also earning his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Detroit.

  • Scroggins was born on September 11, 1969 in Checotah, Oklahoma.
  • He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1992 after playing college football.
  • Scroggins played for the Detroit Lions for 10 seasons from 1992 to 2002.
  • Scroggins passed away on February 6, 2026 at the age of 56 in Hollywood, Florida.

The players

Tracy Scroggins

A local hero from Checotah, Oklahoma who played 10 seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions after being drafted in 1992. He was known for his athletic prowess from a young age and his name lives on in his hometown through the field house and playground named after him.

Sonny Scroggins

Tracy Scroggins' father.

Angeline Carter

Tracy Scroggins' mother, who passed away along with him.

Detroit Lions

The NFL team that drafted Tracy Scroggins in 1992 and for whom he played for 10 seasons.

University of Detroit

The university where Scroggins earned his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice while playing in the NFL.

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The takeaway

Tracy Scroggins' legacy will continue to live on in Checotah, Oklahoma through the facilities named after him and the lasting impact he had on his community as a beloved local hero and accomplished NFL player.