Tracy Scroggins obit

Tracy Scroggins, who had 60 1/2 sacks in 10 seasons for the Lions, dies at 56

 He was not on the list.

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Tracy Scroggins, who had 60 1/2 sacks in 10 seasons as a playmaking defensive end for the Detroit Lions, has died. He was 56.

The Lions announced Scroggins' death on Monday. A cause of death was not provided.

Since sacks became an official stat in 1982, just Robert Porcher and Michael Cofer had more than Scroggins in franchise history.

He had career highs in sacks (9 1/2) and tackles (45), forced two fumbles and returned one for a touchdown in 1995. He had at least six sacks in seven seasons.

He played in 142 games, starting 89, in the regular season and helped the Lions reach the playoffs five times after Detroit drafted him in the second round in 1992.

Scroggins was from Checotah, Oklahoma, where he was on the football, basketball and track teams in high school. He attended Coffeyville Community College in Kansas and went on to star at Tulsa.

He spent his entire 10-year career as a defensive end and a linebacker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Tracy Scroggins," the Scroggins family said in a statement sent to us.

"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 continued ... "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. While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace."

Back in 1992, Scroggins, a linebacker and defensive end, was a 2nd round draft pick out of Tulsa, where he went 53rd overall.

Over the course of his time in the National Football League, he accumulated 321 tackles and 60.5 sacks. He also had one interception.

Scroggins retired from football in 2001 after 142 games played.