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
He was on the Baltimore 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.’
MORE TO FOLLOW.
