“RIP”, “Tragic Way to Pass”: Fans Pour in Their Wishes as Tennessee Titans Legend and Former TNA Star Passes Away

TNA fans will remember him from Slammiversary 3 ‘Massacre in the Music City’. It remains the 52-year-old’s only match in pro wrestling, but why was this addition to the card so appealing? Why did a non-wrestler make an appearance at a huge wrestling event in the Nashville Municipal Auditorium? It all comes down to a cold Saturday afternoon a few days after the turn of the millennium, where Frank Wycheck’s presence of mind resulted in a miracle:- one that saw an NFL player cement himself in immortality as a Titans legend.

With the temperature near 40 degrees and 16 seconds remaining, the score was settled at 16-14 in favor of the Buffalo Bills. While the Tennessee Titans may have been resigned to an exit despite having the home-field advantage, TE Frank Wycheck had other ideas as he looped the football to his teammate, WR Kevin Dyson, who was in acres of space. This allowed Dyson to sprint to the endzone that was 75 yards away and enthrall the 66,782 fans present at the Adelphia Coliseum—a first kick-return-for-a-touchdown miracle by the franchise since Mel Gray after 12 years.

While ‘Flameheads’ would have been elated, the Bills Mafia would have been torn between respect and dejection at the Music City Miracle. Titans coach Jeff Fisher said, “We worked on that play yesterday. The play is called Home Run Throwback, it’s a play you usually work on Saturdays, the day before a game. That play was designed with Frank Wycheck in the middle to try and put the ball out laterally.”

It marked the beginning of a playoff run that culminated in defeat at SuperBowl XXXIV. Nevertheless, the miracle lives on in the hearts of everyone in ‘Music City’. Even today, after the 3-time Pro Bowler passed away on December 10.

Wycheck’s family released a statement wherein they reported that he was found unresponsive after he fell and hit his head in his Chattanooga house. Apparently, he recently moved to Tennessee last summer to stay closer to his family. Following the release of this news, netizens have come together to mourn the loss of the former Tennessee Titans star. Sports journalist Dave Meltzer emerged at the forefront of the tributes that poured in condolences for the beloved athlete.

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TNA mourns the passing of Frank Wycheck

The wrestling community came in to offer their condolences. Dave Meltzer revealed the details he knew about the accident while sending his prayers to the late star’s family.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), TNA Impact Wrestling shared the news with the fans and wrote, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tennessee Titans legend Frank Wycheck, who competed in a TNA ring at Slammiversary in 2007. We offer our sincere condolences to his friends and family.”

TNA reported that Wycheck got into an altercation with James Storm, who responded by spitting beer into his face. This angered the late star, who took Jeff Jarrett’s help and hit Storm with a guitar. The two later faced off against each other at Slammiversary 2007. Wycheck had teamed up with Jerry Lynn to take down Storm and Ron Killings in a tag team match.

While fans did remember his work with TNA Impact and the Tennessee Titans, users recalled his Music City Miracle game. Wycheck is oftentimes credited for the win as he threw a lateral pass at teammate Kevin Dyson, who then scored the winning touchdown.

Another fan commented that he learned about Wycheck from the TNA star Jeff Jarrett. Jarrett used to wear Wycheck’s Titans jersey during his time at WCW. This was another way that made him a recognizable name amongst pro wrestling fans.

Wycheck finished his career with 505 receptions for 5,126 yards and 28 touchdowns. In his NFL legacy, he not only gave great moments, but he sustained several blows to his head during the games. Despite the fact that Wycheck is most known for his game-winning pass to beat the Buffalo Bills, this fan asserts that even the latter’s fanbase is as gutted as the rest.

In these difficult times, our thoughts and prayers are with Wycheck’s family and friends. What is your favorite moment from his NFL career? Let us know in the comments below.

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