OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- O.J. Brigance, a former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and the team's longtime adviser in player engagement, died after a 19-year battle with ALS, the team announced Monday. He was 56.
Brigance, who won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2000, served as inspiration to the organization for nearly two decades with his determination to fight the disease and surpass the initial prognosis.
"We are devastated by the awful news that we have lost O.J. Brigance," Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said. "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."
Diagnosed with ALS in 2007 at the age of 37, Brigance was told he had 2-5 years to live. But Brigance seemed undeterred, constantly smiling whether he was moving through the hallways of the team facility in a motorized wheelchair or attending games and practices.
Former Ravens coach John Harbaugh often referred to Brigance as "the strongest man in the organization."
When former middle linebacker Ray Lewis was handed the Lamar Hunt Trophy for winning the AFC championship in January 2013, he looked at Brigance and told him, "You're my greatest motivation."
When former safety Ed Reed delivered his Hall of Fame speech in 2019, he gave a shoutout to Brigance, saying, "You're the reason why I'm here, man. You're the reason I became a great professional."
"O.J. inspired us with humility, faithfulness, determination, competitiveness and love for humankind," Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said. "We never once saw O.J. angry or frustrated by his disease. Instead, we all witnessed a hero who influenced so many people through his unwavering optimism and grit. O.J. Brigance is the definition of what it means to live like a Raven."
Brigance is the only player to win a Super Bowl and a Grey Cup for the same city. In 1995, he won the Grey Cup with the Baltimore Stallions.
In January 2001, Brigance recorded the Ravens' first tackle in their Super Bowl victory over the New York Giants, running down the field to make the stop on the opening kickoff. About six years later, he was diagnosed with ALS, which is commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. It progressively attacks the nervous system and has no known cure.
"O.J. inspired us with humility, faithfulness, determination, competitiveness and love for humankind. We never once saw O.J. angry or frustrated by his disease. Instead, we all witnessed a hero who influenced so many people through his unwavering optimism and grit. O.J. Brigance is the definition of what it means to live like a Raven." Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta
After losing the ability to speak, Brigance communicated through an eye-tracking technology. Over the years, numerous Ravens have told stories about how Brigance sent them notes during their most difficult times.
"O.J. was one of the most genuine, sincere people I have ever known," said Ozzie Newsome, the former Ravens general manager who is currently a senior vice president with the team. "From the moment he arrived in Baltimore, you could feel his energy. His amazing smile, welcoming nature and infectious personality made everyone around him feel like family. He was a hero to this city long before his courageous battle with ALS and became an even greater inspiration in the way he faced it with the same fight, faith and grace he brought to the football field."
With the help of his wife Chanda, they established the Brigance Brigade Foundation, which raised millions to "equip, encourage and empower" those with ALS.
"We have discovered quite often when difficulties impact our lives, we will be presented with the opportunity to assist others experiencing the same journey," Brigance wrote to ESPN in 2023. "That is where we all have the chance to impact the lives of others."