Former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl champion O.J. Brigance has died at 56 following a lengthy battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the Baltimore Ravens announced.
Brigance spent seven seasons in the NFL and became one of the most respected figures in Baltimore sports, first as a member of the Ravens’ championship defense and later as an advocate for people living with ALS.
He played for the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, St. Louis Rams and New England Patriots between 1996 and 2002.
Brigance was part of the Ravens team that defeated the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV following the 2000 season.
He appeared in all 16 regular-season games that year, recording 12 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Brigance also made the first tackle of the Super Bowl, a moment that became part of Ravens history.
Team owner Steve Bisciotti remembered Brigance as far more than a former player.
“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 also praised Brigance’s personality and impact throughout Baltimore.
“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,” he said.
Brigance’s football journey began at Rice University before he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Miami in 1996.
He stayed with the Dolphins through 1999 before joining Baltimore for its championship season.
Brigance later spent time with the Rams and Patriots before retiring after the 2002 season.
His biggest challenge came five years later.
Brigance was diagnosed with ALS in 2007.
Rather than withdraw from public life, he became a prominent advocate for people battling the progressive neurological disease and their families.
Brigance and his family launched a foundation supporting ALS patients and research, and he received the NCAA Inspiration Award in 2016 for his advocacy.
He also remained deeply connected to the Ravens organization for more than two decades, including through work in player development.
“This is a tremendously sad day for Baltimore,” Bisciotti said. “O.J. will be remembered for his service to our community, to the Ravens and to the fight to find a cure for ALS.”
Former Ravens head coach Brian Billick and his wife, Kim, also paid tribute, per Trending Politics.
“We have lost a very special soul in O.J. Brigance,” they said. “O.J. has been a member of the Ravens family for over 25 years and was an inspiring symbol of grace, class, compassion and competitive competence.”
Billick added that Brigance represented the qualities the Ravens organization aspired to embody.
Brigance leaves behind a legacy stretching far beyond football.
He was remembered not only as a Super Bowl champion, but also as a mentor, advocate and longtime member of the Baltimore community who spent nearly two decades publicly confronting ALS.
