Ravens' O.J. Brigance dies at 56 after ALS battle
O.J. Brigance, a former Ravens linebacker and the team's longtime adviser in player engagement, has died 19 years after being diagnosed with ALS. He was 56. The Ravens announced his death Monday.
Brigance won a Super Bowl with Baltimore in 2000 and recorded the Ravens' first tackle in that Super Bowl victory over the New York Giants, running down the field to make the stop on the opening kickoff. He is the only player to win a Super Bowl and a Grey Cup for the same city, having won the Grey Cup with the Baltimore Stallions in 1995.
Brigance was diagnosed with ALS in 2007 at age 37 and was told he had two to five years to live. He served as an inspiration to the organization for nearly two decades with his determination to fight the disease and surpass that prognosis, moving through the team facility in a motorized wheelchair and attending games and practices with what colleagues described as an infectious smile.
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti called Brigance 'a beloved legend, mentor and man to everyone who was fortunate enough to know him,' adding that his death is 'a tremendously sad day for Baltimore.' General manager Eric DeCosta said Brigance 'inspired us with humility, faithfulness, determination, competitiveness and love for humankind' and that they never once saw him angry or frustrated by his disease.
With the help of his wife, Chanda, Brigance established the Brigance Brigade Foundation, which raised millions to 'equip, encourage and empower' those with ALS. Writing to ESPN in 2023, Brigance said, 'We have discovered quite often when difficulties impact our lives, we will be presented with the opportunity to assist others experiencing the same journey.'