Former Ravens player and executive O.J. Brigance died Monday after a 19-year battle with ALS, the team announced. Brigance was 56. "We are devastated by the awful news that we have lost O.J. Brigance," Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement. "O.J. was a beloved legend, mentor and man to everyone 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 in the 2000 Super Bowl.
"Known for his big smile and welcoming nature, it was easy to feel a special connection with O.J. from the moment you met him. His infectious smile and the inspirational way he lived and played endeared him to everyone he touched, both inside our building and across this city. "This is a tremendously sad day for Baltimore. O.J. will be remembered for his service to our community, to the Ravens and to the fight to find a cure for ALS. With heavy hearts, the Ravens organization extends our deepest condolences to Chanda and the entire Brigance family. We are saddened by this loss, and O.J.'s spirit will remain part of this community forever."
Brigance, a Houston native, originally landed in Baltimore with the Canadian Football League's Stallions and helped the team win the 1995 Grey Cup championship. He later played linebacker and was a core special teams player on the Ravens' Super Bowl-winning team in 2000. Brigance set the tone with the first tackle of Super Bowl XXXV. His seven-year NFL career ended following the 2002 season, but he returned to the Ravens in a front-office role in player engagement. Brigance was recognized by the NFL, earning the Best Overall Player Development Program award for two consecutive years (2005-06). He was diagnosed with ALS in 2007, and he and his wife, Chanda, established the Brigance Brigade Foundation, a nonprofit that has raised money and awareness for the fight against ALS. The foundation has worked to improve the quality of life for people living with ALS and their families by providing access to support services, needed equipment and resource guidance. "He was a hero to this city long before his courageous battle with ALS and became an even greater inspiration in the way he faced it with the same fight, faith and grace he brought to the football field," Ravens executive vice president Ozzie Newsome said in a statement. "O.J.'s service to our community, to the Ravens and the fight for a cure for ALS will never be forgotten. He was and always will be a beloved mentor and man. With heartfelt sorrow, we extend our deepest sympathies to Chanda and the Brigance family."