O.J. Brigance, Ravens' 'beloved legend,' dies at 56 after ALS fight - ESPN

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — O.J. Brigance, a former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and the team's longtime adviser in player engagement, has died 19 years after being diagnosed with ALS. He was 56.

The Ravens announced Brigance's death Monday.

Brigance, who won a Super Bowl with Baltimore in 2000, served as an inspiration to the organization for nearly two decades with his determination to fight the disease and surpass the initial prognosis.

«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 who was fortunate enough to know 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.»

Diagnosed with ALS in 2007 at the age of 37, Brigance was told he had two to five years to live. But Brigance seemed undeterred, constantly smiling whether he was moving through the hallways of the team facility in a motorized wheelchair or attending games and practices.

Former Ravens coach John Harbaugh often referred to Brigance as «the strongest man in the organization.»

When former middle linebacker Ray Lewis was handed the Lamar Hunt Trophy for winning the AFC championship in January 2013, he looked at Brigance and told him, «You're my greatest motivation.»

When former safety Ed Reed delivered his Hall of Fame speech in 2019, he gave a shoutout to Brigance, saying, «You're the reason why I'm here, man. You're the reason I became a great professional.»

«O.J. inspired us with humility, faithfulness, determination, competitiveness and love for humankind,» Ravens general manager Eric