Overview
- The Baltimore Ravens announced Monday that O.J. Brigance died at 56 after a roughly 19-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
- Brigance won a Grey Cup with the Baltimore Stallions and helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XXXV, making the game’s first tackle on the opening kickoff.
- He returned to Baltimore in 2004 as senior adviser for player engagement and helped build a program that won the NFL’s Best Overall Player Development award in 2005 and 2006.
- After his 2007 diagnosis, Brigance and his wife Chanda founded the Brigance Brigade Foundation to raise money, provide equipment and support services, and raise awareness for people living with ALS.
- Owners, coaches and former teammates praised his daily presence, mentorship and optimism, and coverage noted his survival far exceeded typical ALS life expectancy and renewed attention to ALS among some former NFL players.