O.J. Brigance, a Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens, has passed away at the age of 56 following a 19-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, the team announced.
A native of Houston, Texas, Brigance didn't have to travel far to play in college – starring at Rice University before turning pro and playing in the Canadian Football League with the BC Lions beginning in 1991. The linebacker later joined the Baltimore Stallions, helping the team win the Grey Cup in 1995.
The following year, Brigance made the jump over to the NFL and signed with the Miami Dolphins. He became a key contributor for the Ravens during the 2000 season, especially on special teams.
Brigance recorded the first tackle of Super Bowl 35, a game the Ravens went on to win over the New York Giants, 34-7.
He stepped away from the NFL after seven seasons, having played in 98 games with four different teams. After retiring, Brigance returned to the Ravens in a personnel role focused on player engagement.
Brigance was diagnosed with ALS in 2007.
He and his wife, Chanda, went on to establish the Brigance Brigade Foundation, a nonprofit that has raised money and awareness for the fight against ALS.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: O.J. Brigance, Ravens Super Bowl champion, dies after battle with ALS