Super Bowl Champion Bryan Braman Dies at 38 After Cancer Battle
Former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl LII champion Bryan Braman has tragically passed away at the age of 38, following a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. His agent, Sean Stellato, confirmed his death on Thursday, sending a wave of sorrow through the entire football community.
A Private Fight Against a Relentless Disease
Braman was diagnosed with a rare cancer earlier this year, a struggle he largely kept private. Updates on his condition primarily came through a GoFundMe campaign established to assist with his medical expenses, which ultimately raised nearly $90,000, including a significant $10,000 donation from former Houston Texans teammate J.J. Watt.
Updates on the GoFundMe page detailed Braman's fight, including undergoing CAR-T cell reprogramming treatment in Seattle. While initial reports suggested his cells were fighting the cancer, a June update revealed a devastating turn: "the cancer has grown exponentially faster, and is now growing around his vital organs." Complications from a compromised immune system and multiple surgeries left him with limited treatment options as the disease advanced aggressively.
A Champion's Enduring Legacy
Born Bryan Allan Braman on May 4, 1987, he entered the NFL in 2011 as an undrafted free agent out of West Texas A&M. He first played for the Houston Texans for three seasons before joining the Philadelphia Eagles from 2014 to 2017. Braman became a vital special teams player, renowned for his relentless effort and fearless approach to the game. He's famously remembered for making a tackle after losing his helmet during a punt return in his rookie season.
Braman's NFL career culminated in a triumphant victory with the Eagles in Super Bowl LII in 2018, where they famously defeated the New England Patriots. That Super Bowl win marked his final NFL game. Throughout his career, he appeared in 97 regular-season games, tallying 56 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries.
Beyond his contributions on the field, Braman was a devoted father to his two daughters, aged 11 and 8. He once shared that his seven NFL seasons, his Super Bowl win, and his daughters were “the three greatest accomplishments in my life.”
Tributes have poured in from former teammates and coaches, all mourning the loss of a fierce competitor and deeply respected teammate who left an indelible mark on the league. J.J. Watt posted on social media, "Rest in Peace brother. Gone far too soon." Braman's passing serves as a poignant reminder of life's fragility and the lasting impact of those who inspire us.
