Former Lions Linebacker Tracy Scroggins Dies at 56, Family Cites Possible CTE

Scroggins played 10 seasons with the Detroit Lions, finishing his career with 60.5 sacks.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Tracy Scroggins, a former standout Detroit Lions linebacker, has died at the age of 56. His family announced his passing on Monday, citing possible chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) as the cause. Scroggins played in the NFL for 10 seasons, all with the Lions, and was known for his strength and perseverance both on and off the field.

Why it matters

Scroggins' death highlights the ongoing concerns around the long-term effects of head trauma in professional football, particularly the link between repeated concussions and the development of CTE. His family's decision to cite CTE as a potential factor in his passing adds to the growing body of evidence connecting NFL careers to neurodegenerative diseases.

The details

Scroggins was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft after playing college football at the University of Tulsa. He went on to have a successful 10-year career in Detroit, finishing with 60.5 sacks, the 7th most in franchise history. His family described him as a "devoted father, cherished family member, and loyal friend" whose life was "marked by remarkable strength and perseverance." However, they also noted that "the NFL was also ultimately the cause of his untimely demise" as Scroggins "spent every moment of retirement courageously battling the devastating effects of CTE."

  • Tracy Scroggins died on February 11, 2026.

The players

Tracy Scroggins

A former standout linebacker who played 10 seasons for the Detroit Lions, finishing his career with 60.5 sacks, the 7th most in franchise history.

Detroit Lions

The NFL team that drafted Scroggins in the second round in 1992 and for whom he played his entire 10-year professional career.

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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)

“While many knew him for his career as a professional football player in the NFL, those closest to him knew him as a kind-hearted and generous man who cared deeply for his family and friends.”

— 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 whether Scroggins' family plans to have his brain tested for CTE. Scroggins was among the group of players who filed concussion-related lawsuits against the NFL ahead of a 2015 concussion settlement.

The takeaway

Scroggins' tragic passing at the age of 56 underscores the ongoing challenges the NFL faces in addressing the long-term health impacts of head trauma on its players. His family's decision to cite possible CTE as a factor in his death adds to the growing body of evidence linking professional football careers to neurodegenerative diseases, and will likely reignite calls for the league to do more to protect player safety and support former players dealing with the aftermath of their time in the sport.