After battling cancer over the last year, former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker and Super Bowl champion Bryan Braman has died at 38 years old.
Braman’s agent, Sean Stellato, confirmed the news of Braman’s death to ESPN on July 17.
From ESPN: “Former Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Bryan Braman died Thursday after seeking treatment this year for a rare, aggressive form of cancer, according to his agent. He was 38. Braman had undergone multiple surgeries during treatment in Seattle, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help him with expenses. Braman had been diagnosed with cancer in February.”
Braman had 2 daughters, 11 years old and 8 years old, according to Stellato.
Braman played 7 seasons in the NFL from 2011 to 2017, including 3 seasons with the Eagles from 20414 to 2016 followed by a return to Philadelphia late in 2017 after a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints. He also played for the Houston Texans from 2011 to 2013.
Following the 2017 season, Braman was one of the unexpected heroes for the Eagles in the postseason with a blocked punt in a 15-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Divisional Round then played in Philadelphia’s 41-33 upset win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.
The Super Bowl win ended up being Braman’s final NFL game.Tributes to Braman Pour In On Social Media
News of Braman’s death triggered an outpouring of support from fans and former teammates.
“Rest in peace brother,” former Texans teammate and 3-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt wrote on his official X account. “Gone far too soon.”
“I didn’t intend on crying this morning,” Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho wrote on his official X account. “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.”
“Rest In Peace to our Special Teams enforcer, our Super Bowl Champion Bryan Braman,” X user King Kunta wrote on July 17. “Gutted to hear this news.”
“Rest in Peace: Former Texans and Eagles LB Bryan Braman has passed away at the age of 38 after battling a rare form of cancer,” NFL reporter Dov Kleiman wrote on his official X account. “Prayers to the entire family.”
“Way too young,” X user JaguarGator9 wrote on their official X account. “In honor of Bryan Braman, enjoy this play he made during a 2011 game against the Titans, when he made a tackle without a helmet Absolute menace on special teams in his prime.”
Unusual Path To Making NFL Roster
Braman took an unusual path to making an NFL roster. The Spokane, Washington, native played one season at the University of Idaho before transferring to Long Beach City College then closing out his college career with 2 seasons at West Texas A&M.
Braman, 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, made the Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2011 and became a special teams standout. Braman was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate in 2012 then signed a 2-year, $3.15 million free agent contract with the Eagles in 2014.
Braman played 97 career games with 56 total tackles and played over 80 percent of the special teams snaps for teams he played on throughout his career.
