Former NFL linebacker O.J. Brigance has died at the age of 56 after a 19-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the Baltimore Ravens announced.
Brigance, who won Super Bowl XXXV as a player with Baltimore, had fought ALS since his diagnosis in May 2007.
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti announced his passing in a statement on behalf of the franchise. "We are devastated by the awful news that we have lost O.J. Brigance," Bisciotti said.
"O.J. was a beloved legend, mentor and man to everyone who was fortunate enough to know him," Bisciotti said. "He was a vibrant person who became one of the first Ravens heroes with his passionate play, including the first tackle in the 2000 Super Bowl."
Bisciotti remembered Brigance for his warmth and character within the organization and the wider community. "Known for his big smile and welcoming nature, it was easy to feel a special connection with O.J. from the moment you met him," Bisciotti said.
"His infectious smile and the inspirational way he lived and played endeared him to everyone he touched, both inside our building and across this city," Bisciotti added.
"This is a tremendously sad day for Baltimore. O.J. will be remembered for his service to our community, to the Ravens and to the fight to find a cure for ALS," Bisciotti said. "With heavy hearts, the Ravens organization extends our deepest condolences to [his wife] Chanda and the entire Brigance family. We are saddened by this loss, and O.J.'s spirit will remain part of this community forever."
Career across the NFL and CFL
Brigance played seven seasons in the NFL as a linebacker and special teams player, split between defense and special teams without ever starting a game on defense. Throughout his time in the league, he represented the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, St. Louis Rams, and New England Patriots.
A native of Houston, Texas, Brigance played college football at Rice University, where he was a three-year starter. After going undrafted following his graduation in 1991, he launched his professional football career in Canada with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League.
He subsequently spent two seasons with the CFL's Baltimore Stallions, winning the 1995 Grey Cup championship and earning selection as a CFL All-Star in the same season. The Grey Cup is the annual championship game of the Canadian Football League.
Because of the brief existence of the Stallions in Maryland, Brigance became the only player in professional football history to win both a Grey Cup and a Super Bowl for teams representing the same city.
Brigance entered the NFL in the 1996 offseason when he signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins. He played four seasons in Florida, where his teammates twice voted him as a team captain.
He moved to the Baltimore Ravens ahead of the 2000 season, finishing second on the team with 25 special teams tackles during the regular season before leading the roster in postseason special teams tackles. In Super Bowl XXXV, where the Ravens defeated the New York Giants, Brigance recorded the first tackle of the game on the opening kickoff return.
Brigance played for the St. Louis Rams during the 2001 season and part of the 2002 campaign. After being cut by St. Louis, he played one final NFL game with the New England Patriots before retiring from active play.
Executive role and ALS advocacy
Two years after his retirement, the Ravens hired Brigance in 2004 as their director of player development. He served in that executive role with the franchise until his death.
Following his diagnosis in May 2007, Brigance became an influential figure for athletes and sports professionals. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive motor neurone condition that affects brain and spinal cord nerve cells.
In his final years, Brigance established and ran the Brigance Brigade Foundation, a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting ALS research and patient care.
His courage in battling the disease earned him national honors across American sports. In 2015, he received the NFL's George Halas Award, presented annually by the Pro Football Writers of America to a player, coach, or staff member who overcomes adversity to achieve success.
The following year, the NCAA awarded Brigance its Inspiration Award, given to a current or former varsity letter-winner, coach, or administrator who overcomes a life-altering situation through perseverance and serves as a role model to others.
