O.J. Brigance, a former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and their longtime senior adviser to player development, has died, the team announced Monday evening.
Brigance battled ALS for the past 19 years. He was 56.
“For 22 years, we’ve been blessed to have O.J. as a teammate, friend and brother. 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.” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. “O.J. inspired us with humility, faithfulness, determination, competitiveness and love for humankind.
“We never once saw O.J. angry or frustrated by his disease. 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.”
Brigance, one of the most revered figures in the organization and a source of inspiration to players, coaches and team officials, was diagnosed with ALS at age 38 following a seven-year NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, Ravens, St. Louis Rams and New England Patriots.
He was also a member of Baltimore’s 2000 Super Bowl championship team. Brigance had a team-high 10 tackles on special teams during the playoffs that season, which culminated in a 34-7 win over the New York Giants for the organization’s first title.
“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. … 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.”
He was also a fixture at Ravens practices and games, using a motorized wheelchair to get around and communicating through a speech-generating computer system that used eye recognition software. He met often with players to share insight and offer words of encouragement, and players over the years recounted countless stories of the inspiration he provided.
Former Ravens legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis called Brigance his “greatest inspiration” and “hero.” Hall of Fame safety and former Raven Ed Reed once referred to Brigance as a “world changer.” Former Pro Bowl offensive lineman Marshal Yanda called him a “pillar” on which the Ravens were built.
“O.J. Brigance was a great man,” former Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “On behalf of Ingrid, Alison and our family, we extend our deepest condolences to the entire Brigance family. O.J. was a great friend to me, my wife and my daughter, and I will always treasure the time we shared with him. … I look forward to seeing him again in heaven someday.”
A native of Houston who played collegiately at Rice, Brigance spent four seasons with the Dolphins, parts of two seasons with the Rams and one season with the Ravens and Patriots. Known for his standout ability on special teams, he was twice voted a team captain in Miami, won the NFL Players Association’s “Unsung Hero Award” in 1996 and was the Ed Block Courage Award recipient in 1999.
Brigance also distinguished himself in the Canadian Football League. In 1993, he registered 23 sacks with the B.C. Lions and two years later helped the Baltimore Stallions to a Grey Cup championship. He is the only player to win a Super Bowl and a Grey Cup for the same city.
After Brigance’s playing career ended following the 2002 season, he returned to Baltimore in a personnel role in player engagement. He won the league’s Best Overall Player Development Program award for two straight years in 2005-2006.
Following his ALS diagnosis in 2007, he and his wife, Chanda, established the Brigance Brigade Foundation, a nonprofit that has raised millions of dollars and raised awareness for the fight against it. The Baltimore Sun also recently named O.J. and Chanda Brigance among its Black Marylanders to Watch in recognition of their community service.
“We have been blessed, you know, we may be okay,” Chanda told The Baltimore Sun. “But what about the people who are not in that same position? What can we do to help them, to make sure they’re okay as well, make sure their needs are met while walking with this awful disease.”
ALS, a progressive nervous system disease that destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a loss of muscle control, left Brigance unable to walk or speak. Still, he continued to show up to the Ravens’ facility to work.
Though the average life expectancy for people with ALS is just two to five years from diagnosis, according to the ALS Association, he far surpassed that. About 20% of people with ALS live at least five years and up to 10% live for at least 10 years.
Multiple studies have shown that NFL players face roughly a four times greater risk of developing ALS and dying compared with the general population. Former NFL running back Chris Johnson announced in June that he was also diagnosed with ALS at age 39.
For those who knew Brigance, his impact will be lasting and his life and legacy won’t be forgotten.
“I am devastated and at a loss for words,” executive vice president and former general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement. “O.J. was one of the most genuine, sincere people I have ever known. 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.
“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. O.J.’s service to our community, to the Ravens and the fight for a cure for ALS will never be forgotten. He was and always will be a beloved mentor and man.”
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