PHILADELPHIA - Former Eagles linebacker and Super Bowl champion Bryan Braman died Thursday after receiving intensive treatment for a rare cancer earlier this year, his agent announced on social media. He was 38.
Braman, a native of Spokane, Washington, had undergone both chemotherapy and cell preprogramming treatments in recent months to fight an aggressive form of cancer, according to a GoFundMe page posted in February with Braman listed as the beneficiary.
The page raised more than $88,000 to help offset the cost of his recovery, with several of his former Eagles teammates contributing.
“Bryan Braman faced every battle with unshakable grit & heart,” Braman’s agent, Sean Stellato, posted on social media. “His passing leaves a void not only in football but in the spirit of every underdog who ever dared to fight. His legacy will live on in the fight, the spirit, & the love he gave so freely.”
Braman spent four seasons with the Eagles, from 2014 to 2017. His final NFL game was the Eagles’ first Super Bowl victory in franchise history. The special teams ace played 24 snaps in the 41-33 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII and delivered the kind of impassioned, intense pregame speech teammates said he was known for.
“Today is a tough day that hits close to home,” Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson posted on social media. “I always admired Bryan’s ability to overcome life’s obstacles, his passion for the game, and the love he had for his friends and family. Rest in peace, Brother.”
Former Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho added, “I didn’t intend on crying this morning. Then I read the news on my teammate, Bryan Braman. Love you Braman. You lived a hard life, and you never complained about it. A champion in life and a warrior in death. It is forever, indeed.”
Braman played seven seasons in the NFL, beginning his career with the Houston Texans as an undrafted rookie out of West Texas A&M, a Division II university in Canyon, Texas.
He had two daughters, ages 8 and 11, Stellato told ESPN.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bryan Braman,” the Eagles said in a statement. “During his four seasons in Philadelphia, Bryan was a loyal teammate, a supporter of the community and a valuable member of our Super Bowl LII-winning team.
“More importantly, he was a devoted father who passionately loved his family and everyone around him. We extend our deepest condolences to Bryan’s family and all who are grieving his loss during this difficult time.”