What Happened to Orenthial James Brigance?
O.J. Brigance, a former NFL and CFL linebacker and Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens, passed away on August 17, 2026, at the age of 56, after a courageous 19-year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Despite his diagnosis in 2007, he continued to serve as a senior advisor for player engagement with the Ravens and co-founded the Brigance Brigade Foundation to support individuals and families affected by ALS.
Quick Answer
O.J. Brigance, a former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl XXXV champion with the Baltimore Ravens, died on August 17, 2026, at 56, after a nearly two-decade battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Diagnosed in 2007, Brigance became a powerful advocate for ALS awareness and support, co-founding the Brigance Brigade Foundation with his wife, Chanda. He continued to inspire many through his role as senior advisor for player engagement with the Ravens until his passing, leaving a legacy of resilience and purpose.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Born in Houston, Texas
Orenthial James Brigance was born in Houston, Texas.
Begins professional football career in CFL
Brigance started his professional football career as a linebacker with the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League.
Wins Grey Cup with Baltimore Stallions
Brigance became a Grey Cup champion with the Baltimore Stallions, the only American team to win the CFL championship.
Signed by Miami Dolphins
Brigance joined the NFL, signing as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins.
Joins Baltimore Ravens
Brigance signed with the Baltimore Ravens, becoming a key special teams player.
Wins Super Bowl XXXV
Brigance was a Super Bowl XXXV champion with the Baltimore Ravens, making the first tackle of the game.
Becomes Director of Player Development for Ravens
After his playing career, Brigance returned to the Ravens in a front-office role, serving as the director of player development.
Diagnosed with ALS
Brigance was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
Co-founds Brigance Brigade Foundation
O.J. and his wife, Chanda, established the Brigance Brigade Foundation to support individuals and families affected by ALS.
Receives George Halas Award
Brigance was honored with the George Halas Award for his courage in battling ALS.
Receives NCAA Inspiration Award
For his ALS activism, Brigance was a recipient of the NCAA Inspiration Award.
Passes away at age 56
O.J. Brigance died from complications of ALS in Baltimore, Maryland, at the age of 56, after a 19-year battle.
Follow this story
Get an email when this timeline gets a major update.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Orenthial James Brigance, born on September 29, 1969, in Houston, Texas, carved out a distinguished career in professional football before becoming an inspirational figure in the fight against ALS. He began his professional journey in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the BC Lions in 1991, later joining the Baltimore Stallions where he won a Grey Cup championship in 1995. His NFL career included stints with the Miami Dolphins and culminated in a Super Bowl XXXV victory with the Baltimore Ravens in 2001, where he famously made the first tackle of the game.
After retiring from playing in 2002, Brigance transitioned into a front-office role with the Baltimore Ravens, serving as the director of player development from 2004. This role allowed him to mentor young players and contribute to the team's culture. However, in May 2007, at the age of 37, Brigance received a life-altering diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Despite being given an initial prognosis of two to five years, Brigance defied expectations, battling the progressive neurological disease for 19 years.
His ALS diagnosis marked a pivotal turning point, transforming him into a prominent advocate and symbol of courage. In 2008, O.J. and his wife, Chanda, co-founded the Brigance Brigade Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to equipping, encouraging, and empowering individuals and families living with ALS. The foundation has since raised millions of dollars for ALS research and support services, providing grants for caregiving, equipment, and home modifications. Brigance also became an ALS ambassador for the Robert Packard Center at Johns Hopkins University.
Throughout his battle, Brigance continued his work with the Ravens as a senior advisor for player engagement, using eye-tracking technology to communicate after losing his ability to speak. His unwavering optimism and resilience made him a beloved and influential figure within the organization and the broader NFL community, earning him accolades such as the George Halas Award in 2015 and the NCAA Inspiration Award in 2016. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti described him as a 'beloved legend, mentor and man' who was the 'heartbeat of the organization.'
O.J. Brigance passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland, at the age of 56, surrounded by his family. His death, following a long and public fight against ALS, prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the sports world and beyond. His legacy endures through the Brigance Brigade Foundation, which continues its mission to support those affected by ALS, and through the countless lives he inspired with his indomitable spirit and dedication to service.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Orenthial James Brigance made different choices?