The Philadelphia Eagles have been able to win two Super Bowls in the past eight seasons, each with different head coaches. While some parts of the team haven’t changed, like general manager Howie Roseman, many players on the Eagles roster have since come and gone.
Yet, Super Bowl winners remain champions forever, and that remains true for former Eagles linebacker Bryan Braman, who helped Philadelphia win the Lombardi Trophy in 2017.
Unfortunately, Braman recently passed away due to a rare and aggressive form of cancer that he had only just been diagnosed with in February.
His GoFundMe page, which had raised over $89,000 for Braman’s various medical expenses, indicated the 38-year-old Spokane, Washington, native had to undergo multiple surgeries for his treatment in Seattle. Former teammate J.J. Watt was among the donors, chipping in $10,000 to his former teammate’s efforts.
Braman’s agent, Sean Stellato (who also represents New York Giants QB Tommy DeVito), confirmed Braman’s death.
“Bryan, people saw this enormous human being, but his heart was big as his body, His spirit was so motivating. He was so real and genuine with everybody. That made him special. It’s hard. I feel like I lost my firstborn. This kid, he gave me his bed every time I came to Philadelphia. He would threaten me if I didn’t stay with him. That’s something I’ll always cherish. My heart hurts today.”
Braman entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of West Texas A&M in 2011 and had to work for every opportunity thereafter. Though, he was able to show enough to land on the Houston Texans as a rookie where he quickly carved out a role as a key special teamer. By his second season, Braman had become a Pro Bowl alternate for his special skills.
Braman spent three seasons with the Texans before inking a two-year, $3.15 million contract with the Eagles in 2014. He’d later sign a contract with the New Orleans Saints in 2017 but never appeared in a game for them after being placed on injured reserve that same season.
However, Braman was able to return to health by December, where he latched back on with the Eagles and later helped them win Super Bowl LII.
Braman leaves behind two daughters, ages 11 and 8.
“You look at his journey and beating the odds to make it to the NFL after going undrafted,” Stellato said. “Not only making it, but producing and becoming a world champion, he had a real hard journey. In life, we all run this race. To die at age 38, the game of football and his family are hurting today. He was a staple for what football and underdogs are about.”
Rest in Peace brother.
Gone far too soon.
🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/bJfEPMPCAc
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 17, 2025
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Sports fan since birth. I am also passionate about cars, music, and anything funny. Minnesotan, born and raised. Maybe ... More about Andrew Buller-Russ