Photo: Baltimore Ravens
O.J. Brigance has died at the age of 56, it was announced on Monday.
The native of Houston, Texas spent five seasons with the B.C. Lions and Baltimore Stallions, winning a Grey Cup in his final CFL season in 1995.
He played 90 career regular-season games, recording 322 defensive tackles, 53 special teams tackles, 35 sacks, nine fumble recoveries, and two interceptions.
The six-foot, 236-pound defender spent the next seven years in the NFL as a member of the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, St. Louis Rams, and New England Patriots.
He made 42 total tackles, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries over 98 career regular-season games.
Brigance retired following the 2002 season and was hired as Baltimore’s director of player development in 2004, a role he held until his death. He won the Best Overall Player Development Program award in 2005 and 2006.
He was diagnosed with ALS in 2007, which led he and his wife, Chanda, to found the Brigance Brigade Foundation, a nonprofit designed to raise money and awareness about the disease.
“We are devastated by the awful news that we have lost O.J. Brigance. O.J. was a beloved legend, mentor and man to everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He was a vibrant person who became one of the first Ravens heroes with his passionate play, including the first tackle in the 2000 Super Bowl,” said Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti in a statement.
Brigance is the only player ever to win a Grey Cup and a Super Bowl for the same city.