Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker O.J. Brigance, a Super Bowl winner and advocate for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research, died Monday. He was 56.
The Ravens announced his death, following a years-long battle with ALS. Brigance was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease in 2007.
"We are devastated by the awful news that we have lost O.J. Brigance,” Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement. “O.J. was a beloved legend, mentor and man to everyone who was fortunate enough to know him."
Brigance, who also won a Grey Cup with the CFL's Baltimore Stallions in 1995, is the only player to win both championships in the same city. He played his lone season with the Ravens in 2000, contributing significantly to their Super Bowl XXXV victory. He made a team-leading 10 special teams tackles in the Ravens' Super Bowl win against the New York Giants.
His NFL career began with the Miami Dolphins, who signed him as a free agent in 1996. He later played for the St. Louis Rams and finished his playing career with the New England Patriots in 2002.
After retiring as a player, Brigance joined the Ravens' front office in 2004 as a senior advisor for player engagement. He continued in this role from a wheelchair, using a communication device after his ALS diagnosis.
Together with his wife, Chanda, Brigance founded the Brigance Brigade Foundation. The organization's mission is to "equip, encourage and empower" individuals affected by ALS.
Brigance stated that while winning championships were significant personal achievements, his work with the Brigance Brigade was his most impactful accomplishment due to his ability to help others. "If you were to remove any of those events, I wouldn’t be the same person or have the position of influence," he said. "With that being said, I consider the Brigance Brigade to be the most significant achievement of my life because of my ability to touch the lives of others."
Ravens executives remembered Brigance for his positive influence. "From the moment he arrived in Baltimore, you could feel his energy. His amazing smile, welcoming nature and infectious personality made everyone around him feel like family," said executive vice president Ozzie Newsome. "He was a hero to this city long before his courageous battle with ALS and became an even greater inspiration in the way he faced it with the same fight, faith and grace he brought to the football field."