Ravens legend O.J. Brigance has passed away at the age of 56. As reported by the New York Post, the Super Bowl winner had been battling with ALS for 19 years.
The Ravens owner, Steve Bisciotti, released a statement about the passing of the Super Bowl winner. "We are devastated by the awful news that we have lost O.J. Brigance," he wrote.
"O.J. was a beloved legend, mentor and man to everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He was a vibrant person who became one of the first Ravens heroes with his passionate play, including the first tackle of Super Bowl 2001."
Brigance was first signed with the Dolphins back in '96. They had signed him out of Rice University as a free agent. In 1999, he was the recipient of the NFLPA's Unsung Hero Award.
However, Brigance was most well known for being a Super Bowl winner with the Baltimore Ravens. He made a team-leading ten tackles against the Giants in the game.
He also won a Grey Cup with the CFL's Stallions.
Unfortunately, Brigance learned he had ALS in 2007. Following his diagnosis, he founded the Brigance Brigade Foundation with his wife, Chanda.
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The Super Bowl Winner Founded an ALS Foundation
The foundation seeks to help "equip, encourage and empower" those who suffer with ALS.
"While winning CFL and NFL championships are great personal remembrances, I wouldn't say any of these events define me," he explained. "Rather, they are part of an accumulation of life events which catapulted me to do what God wanted me to accomplish."
"If you were to remove any of those events, I wouldn't be the same person or have the position of influence. With that being said, I consider the Brigance Brigade to be the most significant achievement of my life because of my ability to touch the lives of others."
Tributes poured in from fans and colleagues alike. The executive vice president of the Ravens, Ozzie Newsome, described him as "one of the most genuine, sincere people I have ever known."
This is a truly tragic loss, may he rest in peace.
