Ravens Icon & ALS Warrior O.J. Brigance Dies at 55
Baltimore Ravens Mourn O.J. Brigance: A Super Bowl Hero’s Inspiring Life and Battle with ALS
Who Was O.J. Brigance?
O.J. Brigance was a former professional football player who became a beloved legend for the Baltimore Ravens. He wasn’t just known for his skills on the field—he was admired for his courage, faith, and grace during a long battle with a serious illness called ALS.
Important Point: O.J. Brigance passed away on Monday after living with ALS for many years. The entire Ravens organization and the city of Baltimore are mourning his loss.
His Football Career: A Super Bowl Hero
Brigance joined the Ravens in 2000 as a free agent linebacker. That same season, the team made it all the way to the Super Bowl XXXV (that’s Super Bowl 35).
- Historic Moment: On the very first play of the Super Bowl—the opening kickoff—Brigance made the first tackle of the game.
- That play helped set the tone for a Ravens victory, making him an instant hero in Baltimore.
- He played with passion and energy, quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Life After Football: Helping Other Players
After retiring as a player, Brigance didn’t leave the Ravens family.
- 2004: He moved into the front office (the team’s management side).
- Role: He led the Player Engagement Department for several years.
- Mission: His job was to support current players—helping them with life off the field, career planning, and personal growth.
- Impact: Many players looked up to him as a mentor and friend.
The ALS Diagnosis: A New Kind of Battle
In 2007, Brigance received devastating news: he was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
Important Point: ALS is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control. There is currently no cure.
Despite this diagnosis:
- He never gave up.
- He faced the disease with the same fight, faith, and grace he showed on the football field.
- He became an even greater inspiration to the city and the NFL community.
Tributes from Ravens Legends
The outpouring of love shows just how much Brigance meant to everyone:
| Person | Role | Tribute |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Bisciotti | Ravens Owner | "We are devastated… O.J. was a beloved legend, mentor and man… one of the first Ravens heroes." |
| Dick Cass | Former Ravens President | "A hero to this city long before ALS… an even greater inspiration in how he faced it." |
| John Harbaugh | Former Ravens Head Coach | "O.J. Brigance was a great man… deepest condolences to the entire Brigance family." |
Why O.J. Brigance’s Legacy Matters
- On the field: He made history with the first tackle in a Super Bowl win.
- Off the field: He dedicated his life to helping others—first as a player mentor, then as an ALS advocate.
- In adversity: He showed the world how to live with courage, dignity, and hope.
Summary
- O.J. Brigance, former Ravens linebacker and Super Bowl XXXV hero, passed away after a long battle with ALS.
- He made the first tackle in the Ravens’ Super Bowl victory in 2000.
- After retiring, he worked in the front office, guiding young players.
- Diagnosed with ALS in 2007, he became a symbol of strength and inspiration.
- Ravens leadership—including the owner, former president, and coach—shared heartfelt tributes honoring his character and legacy.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was O.J. Brigance?
He was a former NFL linebacker who played for the Baltimore Ravens and made the first tackle in Super Bowl XXXV. Later, he worked in the team’s front office helping players.
2. What is ALS?
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control. There is no known cure.
3. What made his Super Bowl play so special?
On the opening kickoff of Super Bowl XXXV, Brigance made the very first tackle of the game—a historic moment that helped the Ravens win their first championship.
4. How did he inspire people after his diagnosis?
Instead of retreating, Brigance faced ALS with faith, fight, and grace. He continued to mentor others and raise awareness, becoming a role model for resilience.
5. How is the Ravens organization honoring him?
The team released official statements from top leaders—owner Steve Bisciotti, former president Dick Cass, and coach John Harbaugh—all praising his character, heroism, and lasting impact on the franchise and city.