O.J. Brigance, a former linebacker who helped the Baltimore Ravens capture a Super Bowl title and later became one of the franchise’s most enduring figures while battling a debilitating disease, has died. He was 56.
The Ravens announced the death Monday. Brigance had lived with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, for 19 years.
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said the organization was devastated by the news.
“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.”
Born in Houston, Brigance stayed close to home for college and stood out as a standout performer at Rice University. After college he headed north to the Canadian Football League, beginning his professional career with the BC Lions in 1991.
He later joined the Baltimore Stallions and played a key role in their Grey Cup championship run in 1995. The following season he crossed over to the NFL, signing with the Miami Dolphins and establishing himself as a reliable special-teams contributor and linebacker.
Brigance spent four seasons with Miami before joining the Ravens for the 2000 campaign. That year he proved especially valuable on special teams, finishing near the top of the club’s tackle charts in that phase of the game. In Super Bowl XXXV against the New York Giants, he recorded the game’s first tackle on the opening kickoff as Baltimore rolled to a 34-7 victory.
He played two more seasons after leaving Baltimore, with stops in St. Louis and New England, before retiring following the 2002 season. In all, he appeared in 98 regular-season games across four NFL teams.
In 2004 Brigance returned to the Ravens organization, taking on a front-office role focused on player development and engagement. He remained in that capacity for more than two decades, eventually serving as senior adviser to player engagement. Even after ALS severely limited his mobility and speech, he continued reporting to the team’s facility regularly, communicating through specialized devices and offering guidance to current players.
Brigance received his ALS diagnosis in 2007. Doctors initially gave him a prognosis of only a few years, yet he far outlived those expectations. Together with his wife, Chanda, he founded the Brigance Brigade Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and providing support, equipment and resources for people living with the disease and their families.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta reflected on Brigance’s lasting impact.
“For 22 years, we’ve been blessed to have O.J. as a teammate, friend and brother,” DeCosta said. “It’s a sad day, but also a celebration of all the gifts that O.J. bestowed upon our team and our city and the entire NFL community.”
DeCosta added that Brigance never displayed anger or frustration over his condition.
“Instead, we all witnessed a hero who influenced so many people through his unwavering optimism and grit. O.J. Brigance is the definition of what it means to live like a Raven. I will miss his smile and the twinkle of joy in his eyes.”
Colleagues and former teammates consistently described Brigance as a source of quiet strength and positivity throughout the building. His presence at practices, meetings and games served as a daily reminder of resilience for players navigating the pressures of professional football.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscle movement. Most patients face a life expectancy of two to five years after diagnosis. Brigance’s nearly two-decade fight stood as a powerful exception and inspired many within the ALS community.
Beyond his on-field accomplishments and off-field advocacy, Brigance left a mark on Baltimore as one of the few athletes to win both a Grey Cup and a Super Bowl while representing the city. His commitment to mentoring younger players and supporting those facing similar health challenges extended his influence well past his playing days.
The Ravens organization extended its condolences to Chanda Brigance and the rest of the family. Team officials noted that his spirit of determination and kindness would remain part of the franchise’s identity for years to come.
