FormerDetroit Lionsdefender Tracy Scroggins has died at the age of 56, his family announced Feb. 9.
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tracy Scroggins," his family said ina statement provided to TMZ.
"Tracy was a devoted father, cherished family member, and loyal friend whose life was marked by remarkable strength and perseverance. 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."
The family also said in its announcement of Scroggins' death that the 56-year-old had suffered symptoms suspected to be from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) during his post-playing career.
CTE is only diagnosable through a neuropathological autopsy performed after a person's death. It was not immediately clear whether Scroggins' family would have his brain tested.
"Playing in the NFL gave Tracy the opportunity to pursue his lifelong dream and to rise from poverty," the statement read. "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. While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace."
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Scroggins was one of nearly 5,000 players to file concussion-related lawsuits against the NFL before the league's sweeping concussion settlement in 2015.
Scroggins filed an additional claim against the NFL in 2016. His lawyer at the time – Tim Howard – stated his client was suffering from symptoms consistent with CTE.
"He can't remember where he is or where he's going,"Howard told USA TODAY Sports in 2016. "He hasn't been able to hold a job over the last six years. Beyond memory issues, he suffers from depression and has angry outbursts."
Scroggins was a defensive mainstay for Detroit
Scroggins played 10 NFL seasons, all for theLions, after being selected in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft. The Tulsa product played 142 games and made 89 starts while playing both defensive end and linebacker.
Scroggins racked up 60½ career sacks – seventh-most in franchise history – and was named the No. 90 player in the ranking of the greatest players franchise history bythe Free Pressin 2019.
TheLionspaid homage to Scroggins with a social media post shortly after his death was announced:
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Tracy Scroggins, Detroit Lions great, dies after suspected CTE battle
