O.J. Brigance obit

Former Ravens player/executive O.J. Brigance dies at 56 after long ALS battle

 

He was not on the list.

Former Ravens player and executive O.J. Brigance died Monday after a 19-year battle with ALS, the team announced. Brigance was 56.

“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 fortunate enough to know him. He was a vibrant person who became one of the first Ravens heroes with his passionate play, including the first tackle in the 2000 Super Bowl.

“Known for his big smile and welcoming nature, it was easy to feel a special connection with O.J. from the moment you met 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. O.J. will be remembered for his service to our community, to the Ravens and to the fight to find a cure for ALS. With heavy hearts, the Ravens organization extends our deepest condolences to Chanda and the entire Brigance family. We are saddened by this loss, and O.J.'s spirit will remain part of this community forever.”

Brigance, a Houston native, originally landed in Baltimore with the Canadian Football League’s Stallions and helped the team win the 1995 Grey Cup championship. He later played linebacker and was a core special teams player on the Ravens’ Super Bowl-winning team in 2000. Brigance set the tone with the first tackle of Super Bowl XXXV.

His seven-year NFL career ended following the 2002 season, but he returned to the Ravens in a front-office role in player engagement. Brigance was recognized by the NFL, earning the Best Overall Player Development Program award for two consecutive years (2005-06).

He was diagnosed with ALS in 2007, and he and his wife, Chanda, established the Brigance Brigade Foundation, a nonprofit that has raised money and awareness for the fight against ALS. The foundation has worked to improve the quality of life for people living with ALS and their families by providing access to support services, needed equipment and resource guidance.

“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,” Ravens executive vice president Ozzie Newsome said in a statement. “O.J.'s service to our community, to the Ravens and the fight for a cure for ALS will never be forgotten. He was and always will be a beloved mentor and man. With heartfelt sorrow, we extend our deepest sympathies to Chanda and the Brigance family.”

He was a linebacker in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Rice Owls.

Beginning his pro career as a linebacker in the CFL with the BC Lions in 1991, Brigance played three seasons and 54 games. His best season came in 1993, when he recorded 20 sacks and was a CFL West All-Star. Brigance then played for the Baltimore Stallions for two seasons, becoming a CFL All-Star in 1995, recording seven sacks and helping his team win the Grey Cup.

In 1996, Brigance was signed by the Miami Dolphins as a free agent. He was twice voted a team captain during his four seasons there and his teammates named him Ed Block Courage Award recipient in 1999. In addition, he was honored with the NFL Player Association's "Unsung Hero Award" that same season.

The next year, he was signed by the Baltimore Ravens. Brigance was a key contributor to the Ravens' championship-winning team as he finished second on the team with 25 special teams tackles and led the team with 10 special teams tackles in the post-season (including the first tackle of Super Bowl XXXV). He played for St. Louis Rams in 2001 and 2002, and a final game with the New England Patriots before retiring.

He is one of several players to have won both a CFL and NFL championship, and the only player in the history of both leagues to win those championships for the same city.

During his time as a Dolphin, Brigance was involved in a number of different community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Daily Food Bank.

Career information

High school     Willowridge (Houston)

College            Rice

NFL draft        1991 (undrafted)

Career history

BC Lions (1991–1993)

Baltimore Stallions (1994–1995)

Miami Dolphins (1996–1999)

Baltimore Ravens (2000)

St. Louis Rams (2001)

New England Patriots (2002)

St. Louis Rams (2002)

Awards and highlights

Super Bowl champion (XXXV)

Grey Cup champion (1995)

CFL All-Star (1995)

First-team All-SWC (1990)

Second Team All-SWC (1989)

NCAA Inspiration Award (2016)

George Halas Award (2015)

Tom Pate Memorial Award (1994)

Career NFL statistics

Games played  98

Tackles            21