Archbishop Ryan High School graduate and former NFL Frank Wycheck died Saturday after falling at his home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, his family said Sunday.
He was 52.
“The Wycheck family appreciates the love and support they’ve received, but asks the public to please respect their privacy during this difficult time,” the family said in the statement.
A 1989 graduate, Wycheck led the Raiders to the Catholic League championship in his senior year.
He was a star running back at Ryan, where in his final two years rushed 403 times for 1,825 yards and 19 touchdowns, according to records kept by Ted Silary. He also showed signs of being a great receiver, catching 61 passes for 812 yards and six more touchdowns.
He then went to the University of Maryland where he became a star tight end.
Next up was the NFL. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the sixth round of the 1993 draft and after two years in the NFC East, he was released and signed with the Houston Oilers, who then became the Tennessee Titans.
That’s where he became a star.
A three-time Pro Bowl player, Wycheck caught 505 passes for 5,126 yards and 28 touchdowns over his career, and led the Titans in receiving three straight years.
He also was responsible for one of the best plays in NFL history when he threw the ball across the field to teammate Kevin Dyson on a kickoff late in the 2000 Wild Card game. Dyson returned the lateral 75 yards for a game-winning touchdown.
The Titans rode that play into the Super Bowl that year, but they fell to the St. Louis Rams.
While he was always a Philly guy and made frequent trips home, he was also heavily involved in the Tennessee community. He hosted a radio show there following his retirement.
He also remained a fan of Ryan sports. The school mourned his passing Saturday on social media.
“It is with a heavy heart to share the sudden passing of Frank Wycheck ‘89,” the school posted on Facebook. “Frank had a storied career in the NFL and left quite a legacy at Archbishop Ryan. Our entire community will keep Frank and his family in our prayers.”
