Philadelphia Native Frank Wycheck, Titans 'Music City Miracle' Hero, Dies in Accident at 52
Frank Wycheck, a native of Philadelphia and a beloved hero of the Tennessee Titans, has died at the age of 52 in what his family says is the result of a Saturday fall at his home.
Wycheck played 11 seasons in the NFL seasons after arriving in the league as an unheralded sixth-round pick by Washington out of the University of Maryland. He was signed by the Houston Oilers in 1995, and he became a member of the Titans in the franchise's move.
Wycheck was a three-time Pro Bowler who finished his career with 505 receptions, 5,126 yards and 28 touchdowns over 155 games. ... and his signature play?
That famous - or, to the Buffalo Bills, infamous - lateral on a kickoff return, now known as the "Music City Miracle.'' It was Wycheck who tossed the cross-field backward pass to teammate Kevin Dyson during the AFC Wild Card game against the Bills on Jan. 8, 2000. ... with the clever play freeing Dyson to then sprint 75 yards for a touchdown in Tennessee's win.
"I did everything I set out to do and much more,'' Wycheck said at his retirement press conference following the 2003 season, per the Titans website. "From a guy who wasn't even supposed to be in a training camp, let alone to where I ended up, I'm truly proud and I couldn't ask for anything more. It's been a truly great ride."
Wycheck, a popular figure in Tennessee until the end in large part due to his radio work, a member of the Titans Ring of Honor. He leaves behind two adult daughters, Deanna and Madison, both married, and three grandchildren - Leo, Stevie and August.
