O.J. Brigance, former Ravens player and executive, dies at 56
14 sources • 3 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 9:21 AM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026

O.J. Brigance, the former linebacker and executive for the Baltimore Ravens, died on August 17, 2026, at the age of 56 after a 19-year battle with ALS. The Ravens announced his death, describing Brigance as a beloved legend and mentor who had a significant impact on his community. He played a key role in the Ravens' Super Bowl XXXV victory and transitioned to a front-office role after his playing career. Brigance co-founded the Brigance Brigade Foundation to support ALS patients. The Ravens' organization extended condolences to his family, highlighting his inspirational legacy.
- •Brigance battled ALS for 19 years before his death.
- •He recorded the first tackle in Super Bowl XXXV.
- •The Ravens honored his legacy as a mentor and leader.
- •He co-founded the Brigance Brigade Foundation to aid ALS patients.
- •Brigance was recognized for his contributions to player development.
- 3:56 PMAssociated Press — O.J. Brigance, who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens before battling ALS, dies at age 56 - AP News
- 9:21 AMYahoo Sports — ‘I Will Miss You, Brother!’ — Hall of Famer Devastated by Death of Ravens Legend O.J. Brigance After Painful ALS Battle
- 2:52 AMYahoo Sports — Former NFL player O.J. Brigance dies at 56 following 19-year fight with ALS
- 1:45 AMYahoo Sports — Sports media world reacts to death of Ravens legend O.J. Brigance
- 1:30 AMYahoo Sports — O.J. Brigance, beloved Ravens linebacker and longtime ALS advocate, dies at 56
- 12:49 AMYahoo Sports — Ravens’ ‘Hero’ Super Bowl Champion Dies at 56
- 12:43 AMESPN — Ravens icon Brigance dies after 19-year ALS fight
- 12:30 AMYahoo Sports — O.J. Brigance, part of Ravens' first Super Bowl team, dies at 56 after battle with ALS
"O.J. Brigance, a former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and their longtime senior adviser to player development, has died, the team announced Monday evening. Brigance battled ALS for the past 19 years. He was 56. “For 22 years, we’ve been blessed to have O.J. as a teammate, friend and brother. It’s a sad day, but also a celebration of all the gifts that O.J. bestowed upon our team and our city and ...
"O.J. Brigance valiantly endured amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, for 19 years. On Monday, the Baltimore Ravens announced Brigance’s death. He was 56 years old. “We are devastated by the awful news that we have lost O.J. Brigance,” Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.…
"O.J. Brigance, who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens before waging an unyielding battle against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, has died. The Ravens announced Brigance's death on Monday. “We are devastated by the awful news that we have lost O.J. Brigance,” Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement.
Sources
External links- Associated PressAug 18, 2026, 3:56 PMO.J. Brigance, who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens before battling ALS, dies at age 56 - AP News
O.J. Brigance, who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens before waging an unyielding battle against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, has died. He was 56. The Ravens announced Brigance’s death on Monday. Brigance was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Ge…
- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 9:21 AM‘I Will Miss You, Brother!’ — Hall of Famer Devastated by Death of Ravens Legend O.J. Brigance After Painful ALS Battle
The Baltimore Ravens suffered a heartbreaking loss on Monday as one of the franchise’s most revered figures, Orenthial James Brigance, passed away at age 56. Brigance left behind an enduring legacy both on and off the field.
- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 2:52 AMFormer NFL player O.J. Brigance dies at 56 following 19-year fight with ALS
The one-time Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens had become an inspiration for the team and others as he
- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 1:45 AMSports media world reacts to death of Ravens legend O.J. Brigance
O.J. Brigance valiantly endured amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, for 19 years. On Monday, the Baltimore Ravens announced Brigance’s death. He was 56 years old. “We are devastated by the awful news that we have lost O.J. Brigance,” Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.…
- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 1:30 AMO.J. Brigance, beloved Ravens linebacker and longtime ALS advocate, dies at 56
O.J. Brigance, a former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and their longtime senior adviser to player development, has died, the team announced Monday evening. Brigance battled ALS for the past 19 years. He was 56. “For 22 years, we’ve been blessed to have O.J. as a teammate, friend and brother. It’s a sad day, but also a celebration of all the gifts that O.J. bestowed upon our team and our city and ...
- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 12:49 AMRavens’ ‘Hero’ Super Bowl Champion Dies at 56
Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and Super Bowl champion dies at 56 years old The post Ravens’ ‘Hero’ Super Bowl Champion Dies at 56 appeared first on HEAVY.
- ESPNAug 18, 2026, 12:43 AMRavens icon Brigance dies after 19-year ALS fight
O.J. Brigance, a former Ravens linebacker and the team's longtime adviser in player engagement, has died after a 19-year battle with ALS. He was 56.
- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 12:30 AMO.J. Brigance, part of Ravens' first Super Bowl team, dies at 56 after battle with ALS
Brigance went on to work for the organization in player engagement once he wrapped his playing career following the 2002 season.
- NFL NewsAug 17, 2026, 10:53 PMO.J. Brigance, Super Bowl winner with Ravens, dies at 56 after battling ALS - NFL.com
O.J. Brigance, who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens before waging an unyielding battle against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, has died. He was 56.
- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 10:35 PMO.J. Brigance, who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens before battling ALS, dies at age 56
O.J. Brigance, who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens before waging an unyielding battle against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, has died. The Ravens announced Brigance's death on Monday. “We are devastated by the awful news that we have lost O.J. Brigance,” Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement.
- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 10:32 PMO.J. Brigance, Ravens Super Bowl champion, dies after battle with ALS
O.J. Brigance, a member of the Ravens' Super Bowl 35-winning team has died at the age of 56 after a long battle with ALS.
- NBCSports.comAug 17, 2026, 9:57 PMFormer Ravens player/executive O.J. Brigance dies at 56 after long ALS battle - nbcsports.com
Former Ravens player and executive O.J.
- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 9:57 PMRavens mourn the death of franchise great O.J. Brigance at 56
The Ravens announced the death of O.J. Brigance, a Super Bowl champion and beloved executive who battled ALS for 19 years. He was 56.
- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 9:56 PMFormer Ravens player/executive O.J. Brigance dies at 56 after long ALS battle
Former Ravens player and executive O.J.
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