Sylvia Mackey

Sylvia Mackey is the spouse of former NFL tight end John Mackey who played for nine seasons with the Baltimore Colts (1963-1971), ended his career with the San Diego Chargers (1972) and, in 1992, became the second pure tight end to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. When John Mackey was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2006, she became a huge advocate for her husband, and people like him living with FTD.

In 2009 Sylvia Mackey was named to the AFTD Board of Directors. As an advocate for people living with FTD, as well as her renown as a speaker well-versed on the subject of FTD, its impact on patients, and its effect on families (Sylvia and John Mackey have three grown children), Sylvia Mackey is well-suited to her role as a member of the Association’s Awareness Committee. In July of 2011, John Mackey passed away at the age of 69, but continues to educate, support, and advocate for those caring for loved ones with FTD. Read Sylvia’s loving story about her husband John’s Legacy.