O.J. Brigance, a former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and longtime adviser to the team on player engagement, has died 19 years after his diagnosis of ALS.
He was 56 years old.
Baltimore Announces the Passing of O.J. Brigance
The Ravens announced Brigance’s death on Monday.
With profound sadness, we mourn the passing of our beloved O.J. Brigance following his extraordinary and heroic battle with ALS. pic.twitter.com/5aegvRX2Fy
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 17, 2026
Brigance helped the Ravens win a Super Bowl in 2000 and inspired the organization for nearly two decades with his will to beat the disease and live longer than the original prognosis, per ESPN.
“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. 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. This is a tremendously sad day for Baltimore.”
In 2007, at age 37, Brigance was diagnosed with ALS and given two to five years to live. But Brigance seemed unfazed, always smiling whether he was wheeling through the hallways of the team facility in a motorized wheelchair or sitting in on games and practices.
Making History in Both the CFL and NFL
Brigance is the only player to win a Gray Cup and a Super Bowl for the same city. He won the Gray Cup with Baltimore Stallions in 1995.
Brigance made the Ravens’ first tackle in their Super Bowl victory over the New York Giants in January 2001, sprinting down the field to make the tackle on the opening kickoff. About 6 years later he was diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It slowly attacks the nervous system and there is no cure known.
Brigance lost his ability to speak and communicated through eye-tracking technology. Many Ravens have told stories over the years about receiving notes from Brigance during their darkest days.
