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. His death deeply saddened the football world, with Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner among those paying tribute.
NFL Community Pays Heartfelt Tribute to O.J. Brigance
Brigance passed away following a prolonged 19-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, after being diagnosed in 2007.
Alongside his wife, Chanda, Brigance founded the Brigance Brigade Foundation to raise awareness and funding for ALS research while helping improve the lives of people living with the disease and their families.
The nonprofit organization has been helping scores of people facing similar battles. The pair were recently honored by The Baltimore Sun as Black Marylanders to Watch in recognition of their impact on the community.
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On Monday, the Ravens officially confirmed Brigance’s passing and led the way in tributes for the franchise legend.
“With profound sadness, we mourn the passing of our beloved O.J. Brigance following his extraordinary and heroic battle with ALS,” the Ravens tweeted.
Kurt Warner also shared an emotional message after learning of the Baltimore legend’s death.
“One of my favorite teammates ever!! They don’t build them like this man very often & when I say that, I don’t mean his physical stature but his character, heart & integrity! I will miss you, brother!” Warner wrote.
Brigance’s football journey included several milestones. He first arrived in Baltimore with the Canadian Football League’s Baltimore Stallions, helping the franchise win the 1995 Grey Cup title.
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He entered the NFL with the Miami Dolphins in 1996, spending four seasons there before signing with the Ravens as a free agent linebacker in 2000. He became a special teams standout and recorded the first tackle of Super Bowl XXXV on the opening kickoff.
To this day, Brigance remains the only player to win both a CFL championship and a Super Bowl with teams representing the same city.
Brigance initially started his professional career in the CFL with the British Columbia Lions in 1991 before moving on to the Baltimore Stallions. His NFL career timeline spans the Miami Dolphins (1996-1999), the Baltimore Ravens (2000), and the St. Louis Rams (2001-2002). He wrapped up his playing career with the New England Patriots in 2002.
Following his retirement, Brigance returned to Baltimore in 2004 to join the front office as the director of player development. Even as ALS confined him to a wheelchair and required him to use a communication device, he remained a daily presence at the team facility, serving as a mentor and inspirational pillar for generations of Ravens players and staff.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.