O.J. Brigance dies at 56 after long ALS battle

O.J. Brigance, a former Baltimore Ravens linebacker who later worked for the franchise as a senior executive, died Monday at the age of 56 following a 19-year fight with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), officials said. The Baltimore Ravens confirmed the death and said Brigance remained closely connected to the organization long after his playing career ended.

Officials said Brigance was diagnosed with ALS in 2007 when he was 37. At that time, he received an initial prognosis of two to five years, yet he lived for nearly two decades while continuing to work with the team as his condition advanced.

Ravens cite continued involvement despite disease progression

According to the team, Brigance stayed active with the franchise well beyond his years on the field, including work in player engagement. Officials said he remained a visible presence in the daily life of the organization as ALS progressed.

As his condition worsened and he lost the ability to speak, Brigance communicated using eye-tracking technology, officials said. The Ravens described his ongoing participation as an example of perseverance while living with a neurodegenerative illness.

Championship milestones in Baltimore across two leagues

Brigance was part of the Ravens team that won Super Bowl XXXV in 2001, officials noted. The team also highlighted a specific moment from that game: Brigance made the tackle on the opening kickoff, a play the organization has repeatedly pointed to as representative of his approach on the field.

His career included a championship in Canadian football as well. Officials said Brigance won the Grey Cup with the Baltimore Stallions in 1995.

Officials added that he is believed to be the only player to win both a Super Bowl and a Grey Cup for the same city, spanning professional football in the United States and Canada.

Brigance Brigade Foundation focused on ALS support

Beyond his roles in football, officials said Brigance and his wife, Chanda, founded the Brigance Brigade Foundation. The organization has raised millions of dollars, officials said, and has provided equipment and support to people living with ALS.

The source material noted that ALS progressively attacks the nervous system and has no known cure. Officials said the foundation has focused on practical assistance for patients and families, including needs that can grow as symptoms advance.

Legacy cited by team; medical details not expanded Officials said Brigance’s extended experience living with ALS became a source of motivation within the Ravens organization and in the wider community. They said his legacy includes both championship contributions and sustained advocacy for those affected by ALS.

The team did not provide additional medical details. Officials said the timeline they outlined—diagnosed in 2007 and living until Monday—showed he outlived early expectations, and the Ravens said his example influenced players and staff throughout his years with the club.