O.J. Brigance, the former Ravens linebacker who became one of the most respected figures in Baltimore’s front office, has died at 56 after a 19-year fight with ALS, the team announced Monday.
Brigance’s impact on the Ravens stretched far beyond the field. After being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at 38, he kept showing up for nearly two decades, remaining a steady presence around the organization even as the disease advanced. In recent months, his condition worsened.
A Houston native and Rice product, Brigance launched his pro career with the BC Lions in 1991. He made noise in the 1993 CFL season with 23 sacks, then went on to the Baltimore Stallions, where he helped them capture the 1995 Grey Cup.
From there, he moved into the NFL and played seven seasons across 98 games with the Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams, Ravens and New England Patriots.
His lone season as a Ravens player came in 2000, and it ended with a championship ring. Brigance was part of Baltimore’s title team and delivered the first tackle of Super Bowl XXXV, the Ravens’ 34-7 win over the New York Giants.
Even after retiring following the 2002 season, Brigance found his way back to Baltimore in 2004. He joined the front office under then-general manager Ozzie Newsome and worked in player development and engagement, building a second career that became every bit as meaningful as his playing days.
Following his ALS diagnosis in 2007, Brigance continued to appear at practices and games, meeting regularly with players, coaches and executives. As the disease progressed, he relied on a motorized wheelchair and an eye-gaze communication device. He still came to work four or five times a week until his condition declined more sharply in recent months.
Brigance and his wife, Chanda, also created the Brigance Brigade Foundation after his diagnosis. The foundation raised millions to help families dealing with ALS, offering equipment, support services and guidance while also spreading awareness about the disease.
His work didn’t go unnoticed around the league. Baltimore’s player-development program earned the NFL’s Best Overall Player Development Program award in 2005 and 2006, and Brigance was recognized for the role he played in that success.
His battle with ALS lasted far longer than the disease’s typical two-to-five-year life expectancy.
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