Former Lions defensive lineman/linebacker Tracy Scroggins died on Monday at the age of 56.
“We join the NFL community in mourning the loss of Lions Legend Tracy Scroggins,” the Lions said in a social media post.
The Lions selected Scroggins in the second round of the 1992 draft out of Tulsa. He spent his entire 10-year career with the Lions, appearing in 142 games.
His 60.5 career sacks rank seventh in team history.
Scroggins’ family released a statement 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 Scroggins suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, though CTE is diagnosed only through a neuropathological autopsy performed after death. It is unclear whether Scroggins’ family will have his brain tested.
“Playing in the NFL gave Tracy the opportunity to pursue his lifelong dream and to rise from poverty,” the statement continued. “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.”
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. He filed an additional claim against the NFL in 2016.
The Seahawks won Super Bowl LX less than 24 hours ago and some have already turned their attention to Super Bowl LXI.
Sportsbooks have set the odds for who will be raising the Lombardi Trophy in SoFi Stadium on February 14, 2027. The Seahawks are at the top of the list, but they aren’t the only team on that rung.
They aren’t even the only NFC West team. The Rams join the Seahawks at +950 at DraftKings at the moment.
The Bills have the top odds of any AFC team with the Eagles, Patriots, and Ravens tied for the fourth spot. The Packers, Lions, Chargers, and Chiefs round out the top 10.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Cardinals and Dolphins are both at +25000.
The Jets are hiring Seth Ryan as their passing game coordinator, Rich Cimini of ESPN reports.
Ryan, 31, is the third generation in the Ryan family to coach for the Jets. His father, Rex, was the Jets’ head coach from 2009-14, and his grandfather, Buddy, was the Jets’ defensive line coach from 1968-75, which included the Super Bowl III championship team.
Seth Ryan follows Aaron Glenn from Detroit.
Ryan was with the Lions for five seasons. He was the assistant wide receivers coach for four seasons before becoming the assistant tight ends coach under Tyler Roehl in 2025.
The Lions passed over Ryan when Roehl left the team, instead promoting assistant offensive line coach Steve Oliver to tight ends coach.
Earlier this week, Rams head coach Sean McVay and Rams General Manager Les Snead each said that the organization would give quarterback Matthew Stafford time to decide if he would like to return for an 18th season.
Stafford didn’t need much of it.
Accepting the AP MVP award at NFL Honors on Thursday night, Stafford ended his speech by addressing his daughters and saying that he will return to Los Angeles for 2026.
“I am so happy to have you at the games on the sideline with me,” Stafford said. “And I can’t wait for you to cheer me on next year when we’re out there kicking ass. So I’ll see you guys next year — hopefully I’m not at this event and we’re getting ready for another game at SoFi.”
SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, of course, will host Super Bowl LXI next February.
With Stafford shouting out the Rams’ home stadium, it doesn’t appear there will be any exploration of other teams like there was last offseason.
Stafford, who turns 38 on Saturday, led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns. He then passed for 936 yards with six touchdowns and one interception in three postseason games.
The Lions have promoted assistant offensive line coach Steve Oliver to tight ends coach, Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports.
Oliver replaces Tyler Roehl, who left the Lions after one season to become Iowa State’s offensive coordinator. The Lions did not promote assistant tight ends coach Seth Ryan.
Oliver has spent five seasons in Detroit. He began as a quality control coach before a promotion to assistant offensive line coach under Hank Fraley in 2023.
He started as a tight ends coach at Idaho (2019) and then at the University of San Diego (2020).
Oliver will work under new offensive coordinator Steve Petzing.
