Bryan Braman, a Super Bowl-winning linebacker who played for two teams over seven seasons in the NFL, died at the age of 38 after battling a “very rare form of cancer,” his agency revealed to CNN Sports on Thursday. “Bryan Braman was a warrior in every sense – on the field and in life – facing every battle with unshakeable grit and heart,” said Sean Stellato, his attorney. “His passing leaves a void not just in football, but in the spirit of every underdog who ever dared to fight.”
According to a GoFundMe website set up to help support his treatment and medical needs, Braman was diagnosed with cancer in February. The page’s most recent post from June stated that Braman had undergone various “surgical procedures” at a clinic in Seattle but had been unable to fully recover owing to his reduced immunity. The most recent post stated that Braman has returned home after receiving Car T-cell reprogramming procedure. According to the National Cancer Institute, Car T-cell therapy includes genetically modifying a patient’s own T cells, which are part of the immune system, to attack cancer cells.
Although there were glimpses of hope as the “mass did start to shrink,” the cancer “started fighting back.” As a result, Braman had chemotherapy, but the cancer spread “exponentially faster” around his important organs. At the time of writing, the GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $90,000. JJ Watt, Braman’s former Houston Texans teammate, contributed $10,000 to the cause. Watt later paid respect to Braman on social media, writing, “Rest in peace, brother.” Gone way too soon.”
Stellato posted a framed, signed jersey from Braman on his Instagram Stories with the caption: “My heart hurts. I love you Bryan.”
Braman began his college career at Idaho before moving to Long Beach City College and finishing at West Texas A&M.
After being undrafted, he signed with the Texans in 2011 as an undrafted free agent. Braman became a regular on Houston’s special teams squad. He earned a fan favourite after making a tackle while wearing no helmet against the Tennessee Titans in 2011. In 2012, he was selected as a Pro Bowl special teams alternate.
Braman played three seasons in Houston before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played four seasons for the Eagles, including a brief stint on the New Orleans Saints practice squad. In his final NFL season, he was a member of the Eagles’ winning Super Bowl LII team, who defeated the New England Patriots.
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