Super Bowl Champion Passes Away At 56

Former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl champion O.J. Brigance has died at 56 after a long battle with ALS, the Baltimore Ravens announced Monday.

Brigance spent seven seasons in the NFL and became a beloved figure in Baltimore, both for his work on the field and for the way he fought the disease that changed his life after football.

He played for the Miami Dolphins, Ravens, St. Louis Rams and New England Patriots between 1996 and 2002.

Brigance was part of Baltimore’s dominant 2000 team that crushed the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV.

He played all 16 regular-season games that year and was credited with 12 tackles and a fumble recovery.

His impact on that championship run was immediate. Brigance made the first tackle of the Super Bowl, a moment that became part of Ravens history.

Team owner Steve Bisciotti remembered Brigance as far more than a former player.

“We are devastated by the awful news that we have lost O.J. Brigance,” Bisciotti said in a statement. “O.J. was a beloved legend, mentor and man to everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He was a vibrant person who became one of the first Ravens heroes with his passionate play, including the first tackle in the 2000 Super Bowl.

“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.”

Brigance’s road to the NFL began at Rice, where he developed into a standout before entering the league as an undrafted free agent with Miami in 1996.

He remained with the Dolphins through the 1999 season before joining Baltimore for its championship campaign.

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 later spent time with the Rams and Patriots before retiring from professional football after the 2002 season.

His greatest battle, however, came years after he left the field.

Brigance was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS, in 2007.

Rather than retreat from public life, he became a prominent advocate for patients and families dealing with the devastating neurological disease.

He and his family launched a foundation focused on ALS support and research, and his work in the field earned him the NCAA Inspiration Award in 2016.

WATCH: Baltimore Ravens’ head coach Jesse Minter honored O.J. Brigance on Tuesday.

Brigance won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens before waging an unyielding battle against ALS. He died Monday at age 56.

Sports Unlimited: https://t.co/98e8LC22EC pic.twitter.com/yBQwS5sl1J

— FOX Baltimore (@FOXBaltimore) August 18, 2026

Brigance also remained deeply connected to the Ravens organization for more than two decades, including serving in player development.

Bisciotti said his influence extended throughout Baltimore.

“This is a tremendously sad day for Baltimore. O.J. will be remembered for his service to our community, to the Ravens and to the fight to find a cure for ALS,” Bisciotti continued. “With heavy hearts, the Ravens organization extends our deepest condolences to Chanda and the entire Brigance family. We are saddened by this loss, and O.J.’s spirit will remain part of this community forever.”

Former Ravens head coach Brian Billick and his wife, Kim, also paid tribute to Brigance.

“We have lost a very special soul in O.J. Brigance. O.J. has been a member of the Ravens family for over 25 years and was an inspiring symbol of grace, class, compassion and competitive competence,” they said in a joint statement.

“If asked who best represents what we all aspire to as an organization and a person, O.J. would be the first person I would point to. Our thoughts are with his family with this loss, but he will forever remain in our hearts.”

Brigance’s legacy stretches well beyond one championship season. He left behind a reputation as a hard-nosed football player, a trusted mentor and a tireless advocate who refused to let ALS define the final chapters of his life.

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