Super Bowl champion OJ Brigance dead at 56 after battle with ALS

O.J. Brigance, a former NFL linebacker who won a Super Bowl title with the Baltimore Ravens, died on Monday after a battle with ALS, the team said. He was 56.

Brigance played in the league from 1996 to 2002. He spent time with the Ravens, Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams and New England Patriots. He played 16 games for Baltimore in 2000 as the team went on to demolish the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV.

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"We are devastated by the awful news that we have lost O.J. Brigance," Ravens team 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. 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."

Brigance was diagnosed with ALS in 2007 and started a foundation to help ALS research. His activism in the ALS research field landed him the 2016 NCAA Inspiration Award.

"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," Bisciotti continued. "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."

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Brigance was a standout player for the Rice Owls in college before he decided to turn pro. He joined the Dolphins in 1996 as an undrafted free agent and played in Miami through the 1999 season. He joined the Ravens for one season in 2000, recording 12 tackles and a fumble.

He played for the Rams and Patriots from 2001 to 2002 before stepping away from the sport.

"We have lost a very special soul in O.J. Brigance. O.J. has been a member of the Ravens family for over 25 years and was an inspiring symbol of grace, class, compassion and competitive competence," former Ravens head coach Brian Billick and his wife Kim said in a joint statement.

"If asked who best represents what we all aspire to as an organization and a person, O.J. would be the first person I would point to. Our thoughts are with his family with this loss, but he will forever remain in our hearts."