Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and Super Bowl champion O.J. Brigance has died after a 19-year battle with ALS. He was 56.
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The Ravens announced Brigance's death Monday, remembering the longtime player and team executive as a beloved figure whose impact extended well beyond football.
Brigance was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, in 2007.
"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."
Brigance began his professional football career in the Canadian Football League and helped the Baltimore Stallions win the Grey Cup in 1995.
He later spent seven seasons in the NFL, including four with Baltimore. Brigance was a linebacker and special teams standout for the Ravens team that won Super Bowl XXXV following the 2000 season.
He made the first tackle of that Super Bowl, bringing down New York Giants returner Ron Dixon on the opening kickoff.
After his playing career ended in 2002, Brigance returned to the Ravens organization and worked in player development and engagement.
Following his ALS diagnosis, Brigance and his wife, Chanda, founded the Brigance Brigade Foundation, which has provided support, equipment and resources to people living with ALS and their families.
Brigance continued working with the Ravens for years despite the progression of the disease and became one of the organization's most respected figures.
"This is a tremendously sad day for Baltimore," Bisciotti said. "O.J.'s spirit will remain part of this community forever."
