Super Bowl champion and former NFL linebacker OJ Brigance has died at the age of 56 after a 19-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Brigance played seven seasons in the NFL, mostly as a member of the Miami Dolphins, but never started a game on defense.
He split time between defense and special teams throughout his time in the NFL – where he also played for the Baltimore Ravens, St. Louis Rams and New England Patriots.
It was with the Ravens that Brigance won Super Bowl XXXV over the New York Giants. Brigance made the first tackle of that game on the kickoff return.
Brigance had battled ALS after being diagnosed in May 2007. In his final years, he ran a charity – the Brigance Brigade Foundation – to assist in ALS research.
In a statement announcing his passing, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said, ‘We are devastated by the awful news that we have lost O.J. Brigance.
Former NFL star OJ Brigance has died at age 56 after a 19-year battle with ALS
Brigance played on defense and special teams across seven seasons in the NFL
Brigance (R) was on the Ravens and made the first tackle in their Super Bowl XXXV win
‘O.J. was a beloved legend, mentor and man to everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. 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.
‘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.
‘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.
‘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.
‘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.’
A native of Houston, Brigance played college football at Rice University and was a three-year starter.
After going undrafted following his graduation in 1991, Brigance began his football career in the Canadian Football League with the BC Lions.
He then played with the CFL’s Baltimore Stallions for two seasons, winning the 1995 Grey Cup and being named a CFL All-Star that same season.
Brigance served as the Ravens’ director of player personnel from 2004 until his death
Due to the odd circumstances of the Stallions’ existence, Brigance is the only player in history to win a Grey Cup and a Super Bowl for teams representing the same city.
In the 1996 offseason, Brigance was signed by the Miami Dolphins as a free agent and was twice voted as a team captain in his four seasons in the Sunshine State.
The Ravens signed him in the 2000 offseason, where he finished second on the team in special teams tackles with 25. In the postseason, he led the team in the same category.
After winning Super Bowl XXXV, he played with the St. Louis Rams in the 2001 season as well as for part of the 2002 season. After being cut, he played one final NFL game with the Patriots before retiring.
Two years after retirement, the Ravens hired Brigance as their director of player development. He held the position with the team until his passing.
Following his ALS diagnosis in 2007, Brigance was an inspiration to athletes and those working in sports.
He was a recipient of the NFL’s George Halas Award in 2015. The award is given by the Pro Football Writers of America to an NFL ‘player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.’
The following year, the NCAA gave Brigance their Inspiration Award. The award is given to a ‘current or former varsity letter-winner, a coach, or an administrator’ who ‘when confronted with a life-altering situation used perseverance, dedication and determination to overcome the event and now serves as a role model to give hope and inspiration to others in similar situations.’
