Ravens Icon O.J. Brigance Dies at 56 After 19-Year Battle With ALS

Former linebacker O.J. Brigance, who recorded the first tackle of Super Bowl XXXV, has died at age 56 following a 19-year battle with ALS.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- O.J. Brigance, the former Baltimore Ravens linebacker who recorded the opening tackle of the team's Super Bowl victory over the New York Giants in January 2001, has died at the age of 56. The organization announced his passing on Monday, August 17, 2026, marking the end of a 19-year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Brigance was 37 years old when he received his initial diagnosis in 2007, at which time medical professionals provided a prognosis of two to five years to live. He surpassed those expectations by more than a decade while serving as the team’s adviser in player engagement.

Brigance holds the unique distinction of being the only football player to capture both a Super Bowl title and a Grey Cup championship for the same city. His professional success in Baltimore began in 1995 when he won the Grey Cup as a member of the Baltimore Stallions. Five years later, he earned a championship ring with the Ravens during their 2000 season. During the championship game against the Giants, Brigance sprinted down the field on the opening kickoff to register the first defensive stop of the contest.

A Legacy of Resilience in Baltimore

Following the loss of his ability to speak due to the progression of Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Brigance utilized eye-tracking technology to communicate with players and staff. He remained a constant presence at the team facility in a motorized wheelchair, attending both practices and games. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti described the former linebacker as a mentor and legend whose infectious smile endeared him to the entire city. General manager Eric DeCosta noted that despite the nervous system disorder having no known cure, Brigance never displayed anger or frustration regarding his condition.

Former head coach John Harbaugh frequently labeled Brigance "the strongest man in the organization." His influence extended to the franchise's most decorated stars. In January 2013, after receiving the Lamar Hunt Trophy for the AFC championship win, middle linebacker Ray Lewis identified Brigance as his greatest motivation. Similarly, during his 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction, safety Ed Reed credited Brigance as the primary reason he became a great professional.

The Brigance Brigade Foundation

In response to his diagnosis, O.J. and his wife, Chanda, founded the Brigance Brigade Foundation. The nonprofit organization has raised millions of dollars to equip, empower, and encourage individuals living with ALS. In a 2023 correspondence to ESPN, Brigance explained that life's difficulties present opportunities to assist others on the same journey. His work through the foundation aimed to provide resources for those navigating the same nervous system challenges he faced for nearly two decades.

Ozzie Newsome, the former general manager and current senior vice president, recalled that Brigance’s energy was palpable from his first day in Baltimore. Newsome highlighted how the linebacker’s welcoming nature made those within the building feel like family. Even as the disease progressively attacked his physical capabilities, Brigance continued to send notes of encouragement to players during their own difficult periods, maintaining his role as a pillar of the front office.

Impact on the Ravens Organization

General manager Eric DeCosta stated that Brigance defined what it meant to "live like a Raven" through his humility, competitiveness, and unwavering optimism. The linebacker's 19-year survival following his 2007 diagnosis became a central point of inspiration for the franchise. The team continues to recognize his contributions as both a championship-winning athlete on the field and a long-term executive who influenced the locker room through grit and faith. Brigance is survived by his wife, Chanda, as the Baltimore community mourns the loss of a hero who fought the disease for nearly one-third of his life.