O.J. Brigance, Ravens adviser and Super Bowl champion, dies at 56

O.J. Brigance, the Baltimore Ravens' longtime player engagement adviser and former linebacker, died on August 17, 2026, at age 56 after a 19-year battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease). The neurological condition, which progressively attacks the nervous system and has no known cure, was diagnosed in Brigance in 2007 at age 37, when doctors initially gave him a prognosis of 2-5 years to live.

Brigance played linebacker for the Ravens and was part of the team's Super Bowl XXXV championship in January 2001. Per ESPN's reporting, he recorded the Ravens' first tackle in that victory over the New York Giants, running down the field on the opening kickoff. In 1995, he won the Grey Cup with the Baltimore Stallions, making him the only player to win a Super Bowl and a Grey Cup for the same city, according to ESPN.

After his ALS diagnosis, Brigance transitioned into a role advising the Ravens on player engagement and support. As the disease progressed and he lost the ability to speak, he communicated through eye-tracking technology. During this period, he became a figure whose presence shaped the organization's response to hardship. Ray Lewis, the Ravens' former middle linebacker, told Brigance at the 2013 AFC Championship trophy presentation, "You're my greatest motivation," per ESPN. When safety Ed Reed delivered his Pro Football Hall of Fame speech in 2019, he told Brigance, "You're the reason why I'm here, man. You're the reason I became a great professional," according to ESPN's reporting.

Former Ravens coach John Harbaugh frequently referred to Brigance as "the strongest man in the organization." 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. 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." Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta stated, "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."

With his wife Chanda, Brigance established the Brigance Brigade Foundation, which raised millions to support those with ALS. In a 2023 statement to ESPN, Brigance wrote, "We have discovered quite often when difficulties impact our lives, we will be presented with the opportunity to assist others experiencing the same journey. That is where we all have the chance to impact the lives of others."