Former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl champion Bryan Braman died Thursday at the age of 38 after a battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, his agent told ESPN.
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Braman, who played for the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles during a seven-year NFL career, had been undergoing treatment in Seattle since being diagnosed in February. A GoFundMe campaign set up to help with medical costs said he had multiple surgeries in recent months. The fundraiser drew support from several of Braman's former teammates, including a $10,000 donation from J.J. Watt.
"Rest in peace brother," Watt wrote on social media. "Gone far too soon."
Braman's agent, Sean Stellato, described his former client as a gentle giant whose kindness matched his imposing frame.
"Bryan, people saw this enormous human being, but his heart was as big as his body," Stellato told Houston's KPRC 2. "He was so real and genuine with everybody. That made him special."
Stellato added that Braman had two daughters, ages 11 and 8. "My heart hurts today," he said. "I feel like I lost my firstborn."
Rest in Peace brother.
Gone far too soon.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 17, 2025
Braman entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of West Texas A&M in 2011. He played four seasons with the Texans before signing with the Eagles in 2014, carving out a role as a core special teamer. His final NFL appearance came in Super Bowl LII, where he helped Philadelphia defeat New England after rejoining the team for its playoff run. He notably blocked a punt in the Eagles' divisional-round win over Atlanta.
"Bryan was a loyal teammate, a supporter of the community, and a valuable member of our Super Bowl LII-winning team," the Eagles said in a statement. "More importantly, he was a devoted father who passionately loved his family and everyone around him."
The Texans also released a statement, saying, "We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bryan Braman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Braman family during this difficult time."
Braman's journey from undrafted longshot to Super Bowl champion resonated with many across the league.
"You look at his journey and beating the odds," Stellato said. "Not only making it, but producing and becoming a world champion—he had a real hard journey. He was a staple for what football and underdogs are about."
