Tracy Scroggins’ ex-wife was warned about his post-NFL health struggles, including early CTE symptoms.
Scroggins built a respected NFL career through consistency, toughness, and loyalty to one franchise.
The Detroit Lions selected him in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft out of Tulsa, and he went on to spend all 10 of his professional seasons in Detroit.
From 1992 to 2001, Scroggins played both defensive end and linebacker, appearing in 142 regular-season games and earning 89 starts.
He quickly established himself as a reliable pass rusher and run defender.
Over his career, Scroggins recorded 60.5 sacks and more than 300 tackles, ranking among the most productive defenders in Lions history.
His best season came in 1995, when he posted 9.5 sacks, forced two fumbles, and returned one for a touchdown.
For seven straight seasons, he reached at least six sacks, anchoring a defense that reached the playoffs multiple times during the 1990s.
Scroggins retired in 2001, but his post-football life proved difficult.
He later spoke openly about the physical pain, insomnia, depression, and memory issues he experienced after years of repeated head trauma.
Before his death at age 56, he pursued legal action against the NFL, citing symptoms consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Tracy Scroggins’ Ex-Wife, Michelle Burke, Ended An Eight-Year Marriage With Him
Tracy Scroggins’ ex-wife was Michelle Burke, whom he married during a challenging period of his life.
The two began dating around 2013 and became engaged as their relationship grew more serious.
Scroggins lived in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area at the time and made a point of being honest with Burke early on.
He warned her about the psychological and physical issues he faced after his NFL career, including mood changes, insomnia, chronic pain, and early symptoms associated with CTE.
Despite those challenges, they married on June 4, 2016.
Throughout their marriage, Burke supported Scroggins as he struggled with daily functioning and an inability to hold full-time employment.
She adjusted plans around his need for rest and understood the limitations his health placed on their social life.
Their relationship reflected the reality of life after professional football rather than the spotlight of his playing days.
In June 2024, Scroggins filed for divorce from Michelle Burke in Broward County, Florida.
The marriage lasted roughly eight years. Court records list the case as a dissolution of marriage.
No public details explain the reason for the split or any settlement terms.
Michelle Burke remains Tracy Scroggins’ only publicly known spouse, and their marriage played a significant role during his later years as he coped with the lasting effects of his football career.
