Seahawks Coach Mike Macdonald Breaks Down While Honoring O.J. Brigance on Hard Knocks
The on-camera tribute renewed attention to Brigance’s 19-year fight with ALS, his role mentoring NFL coaches and players, and his work through the Brigance Brigade Foundation.
Overview
- Mike Macdonald delivered an emotional, nearly tearful tribute to O.J. Brigance during an episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks, telling Seahawks players how Brigance shaped his life and had been rooting for the team.
- Brigance died earlier this month after a 19-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and his death has prompted widespread tributes across the NFL community.
- As a player Brigance spent seven seasons in the NFL and made the first tackle in Super Bowl XXXV before returning to the Baltimore Ravens as director of player development in 2004.
- Brigance and his wife Chanda founded the Brigance Brigade Foundation in 2007 to supply equipment and support to families affected by ALS, and he received national honors including the NFL’s George Halas Award and the NCAA Inspiration Award.
- For nearly two decades Brigance visited the Ravens’ facility using a motorized wheelchair and eye-gaze communication tools, and teams have signaled ongoing honors for his legacy such as the Ravens’ decision to wear a helmet decal this season.