Former Eagles and Texans linebacker remembered for resilience, contributions on and off the field
Bryan Braman, a former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl LII champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, has died at 38 after a battle with a rare form of cancer, his agent confirmed Thursday. Braman, known for his relentless energy on special teams and his role in the Eagles’ historic 2017 championship run, leaves behind two young daughters.
His death marks the tragic end of a hard-fought battle against an aggressive illness, one that drew support from former teammates, fans, and the broader NFL community.
Who Was Bryan Braman?
Braman’s football journey was one of perseverance. Undrafted out of West Texas A&M in 2011, he signed with the Houston Texans as a free agent, quickly making an impact with his speed and special teams prowess. After three seasons in Houston, he joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014, where he became a key contributor in their defensive and special teams units.
His most memorable moment came in the 2017 season when he rejoined the Eagles just before their playoff push. Though his role was limited in the Super Bowl, Braman’s presence was emblematic of the team’s “next man up” mentality that fueled their underdog victory over the New England Patriots.
Key Career Highlights:
- 7 NFL seasons (2011-2017)
- Super Bowl LII champion (Eagles, 2017)
- 56 career tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery
- 97 games played, primarily as a special teams ace
Braman’s Cancer Battle and Community Support
Braman was diagnosed earlier this year with what his family described as a “very rare” form of cancer. A GoFundMe campaign launched in February raised over $88,000 to support his medical expenses, including a $10,000 donation from former Texans star J.J. Watt.
Despite undergoing CAR-T cell reprogramming treatment, an advanced immunotherapy approach, his condition worsened. A June update revealed the cancer had spread aggressively around his vital organs.
Why His Fight Resonated Beyond Football
- Rare diseases often lack funding and research—Braman’s case highlights the need for greater awareness.
- The NFL community rallied around him, illustrating the league’s tight-knit brotherhood.
- His young daughters (11 and 8) were a driving force in his public fight.
Remembering Bryan Braman’s Legacy
Braman’s story is one of underdog triumph—from an undrafted rookie to a Super Bowl champion. His relentless style of play earned him respect across locker rooms, and his battle with cancer showcased the same determination.
How Fans and Teams Can Honor His Memory
- Donations to rare cancer research in his name.
- Moment of silence or helmet decals from the Eagles or Texans.
- Continued support for his family via the GoFundMe or other initiatives.
Final Thoughts
Bryan Braman’s passing is a sobering reminder of life’s fragility, even for elite athletes. His legacy extends beyond the gridiron—his fight against cancer, his devotion to his daughters, and the outpouring of support from the football world underscore the impact he had in just 38 years.
As fans and former teammates mourn, his story serves as a call to action for greater awareness and research into rare diseases.