From Super Bowl Glory to ALS Warrior: OJ Brigance Dies at 56
Remembering O.J. Brigance: NFL Champion, ALS Warrior, and Inspiration to All
Who Was O.J. Brigance?
O.J. Brigance was a professional football player who became a hero both on and off the field. He passed away on Monday at age 56 after a long, brave battle with a disease called ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
Important Point: ALS is a disease that affects the nerves controlling muscles. Over time, it makes it hard to walk, talk, and breathe. There is currently no cure, but researchers are working hard to find one.
Brigance wasn’t just known for football. He was famous for his big smile, kind heart, and incredible courage while fighting ALS for nearly 18 years.
His Football Journey: From Undrafted to Super Bowl Champion
Brigance’s path to the NFL wasn’t easy. Here’s how it happened, step by step:
His Career Timeline
- College Star – He played for the Rice Owls in college and stood out as a great player.
- Undrafted but Determined – In 1996, no team picked him in the NFL Draft. But the Miami Dolphins gave him a chance as a free agent (a player signed without being drafted).
- Miami Dolphins (1996–1999) – He played four seasons there, making plays and friends.
- Baltimore Ravens (2000) – He joined for one magical season.
- Super Bowl XXXV Winner – In January 2001, the Ravens crushed the New York Giants 34–7. Brigance made the very first tackle of the game!
- St. Louis Rams & New England Patriots (2001–2002) – He played two more seasons before retiring.
Teams He Played For
- Miami Dolphins (1996–1999)
- Baltimore Ravens (2000) – Super Bowl Champions!
- St. Louis Rams (2001)
- New England Patriots (2002)
The Super Bowl Moment
In Super Bowl XXXV (that’s 35 in Roman numerals), the Baltimore Ravens defense was unstoppable. They didn’t allow a single offensive touchdown. Brigance, a linebacker (a defensive player who stops runs and covers passes), started the game with a bang — he made the first tackle!
That win gave Baltimore its first-ever Super Bowl title, and Brigance became an instant Ravens legend.
The Toughest Opponent: ALS
In 2007, five years after retiring, Brigance received devastating news: he had ALS.
What Is ALS? (Simple Explanation)
ALS (also called Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a sickness that slowly stops your muscles from working. Your brain stays sharp, but your body won’t listen. It gets worse over time. Most people live 2–5 years after diagnosis.
But Brigance? He lived 18 more years.
How He Fought Back
Instead of giving up, he started a foundation to:
- Raise money for ALS research
- Help other families facing ALS
- Spread awareness
His work earned him the 2016 NCAA Inspiration Award — a huge honor for someone who inspires others through courage.
Tributes: A Man Loved by Many
When he passed, the entire Ravens family shared their love:
Steve Bisciotti (Ravens Owner)
"We are devastated… O.J. was a beloved legend, mentor, and man… His infectious smile and inspirational way he lived and played endeared him to everyone."
Brian Billick (Former Ravens Coach) & Wife Kim
"If asked who best represents what we all aspire to be… O.J. would be the first person I’d point to. He will forever remain in our hearts."
His Lasting Legacy
Even after football, Brigance stayed with the Ravens as Director of Player Development — helping young players grow into good men. He showed up every day with a smile, even when ALS took his ability to walk and speak.
Important Point: Brigance used technology to keep communicating — typing with his eyes or a switch — and continued leading his foundation. He proved that your voice matters, even when you can’t speak aloud.
Summary
- O.J. Brigance died at 56 after an 18-year battle with ALS.
- He won Super Bowl XXXV with the Baltimore Ravens in 2001.
- He made the first tackle of that game.
- Played for 4 NFL teams over 7 seasons.
- Diagnosed with ALS in 2007 — lived 18 more years (most live 2–5).
- Founded a charity to fight ALS and won the 2016 NCAA Inspiration Award.
- Remembered for his smile, faith, courage, and kindness.
- Tributes poured in from Ravens owner, coaches, and fans.
FAQ: Questions You Might Have
What position did O.J. Brigance play?
He was a linebacker — a defensive player who tackles runners and covers receivers. Think of him as the "quarterback of the defense."
What does "undrafted free agent" mean?
It means no team selected him in the NFL Draft, but a team (the Dolphins) still signed him to a contract. He earned his spot through hard work.
How did he communicate after ALS took his speech?
He used assistive technology — like eye-tracking computers or switches — to type messages. His mind stayed sharp the whole time.
What is the Brigance Foundation?
It’s a charity he started to fund ALS research, support patients and families, and raise awareness. It continues his mission today.
Why is he called an "inspiration"?
Because he faced a terminal illness with joy, faith, and purpose — helping others until his last day. He didn’t just survive; he lived fully.
Rest in peace, O.J. Brigance. Your light still shines.