Former Lions DE Tracy Scroggins Dies at 56

Scroggins spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Tracy Scroggins, a former defensive end who played his entire 10-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions, has died at the age of 56. The Lions announced his passing, though they did not provide a cause of death. Scroggins' family stated they believe he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) due to his football career, which they say ultimately led to his untimely demise.

Why it matters

Scroggins' death highlights the ongoing concerns about the long-term effects of head injuries and CTE among former NFL players. His family's belief that football was the cause of his death adds to the growing body of evidence linking the sport to debilitating neurological conditions.

The details

Scroggins was selected by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft out of the University of Tulsa. He went on to appear in 142 games (89 starts) for the Lions from 1992 to 2001, recording 60.5 sacks, 321 tackles (23 for loss), 8 forced fumbles, 7 recoveries, and 1 interception over his 10-year career.

  • Tracy Scroggins died on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • Scroggins played for the Detroit Lions from 1992 to 2001.

The players

Tracy Scroggins

A former defensive end who spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions, playing from 1992 to 2001.

Detroit Lions

The NFL team that drafted and employed Tracy Scroggins for the entirety of his professional football career.

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The takeaway

Scroggins' death is a tragic reminder of the serious long-term health consequences that can result from playing professional football, particularly the risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). His family's belief that football was the cause of his untimely passing adds to the growing calls for the NFL and other football organizations to prioritize player safety and provide more support for former players dealing with the aftermath of head injuries.