O.J. Brigance Dies at Age 56, Ravens Super Bowl Champion Was Diagnosed With ALS in 2007

Former NFL linebacker O.J. Brigance died at the age of 56 and 19 years after he was diagnosed with ALS in 2007.

Brigance played for the Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens. 

The Ravens announced his death Monday, adding he "was in many ways the heartbeat of the organization, a courageous and inspiring leader who kept coming to work despite his physical limitations."

The announcement also said "Brigance had a profound impact throughout the Ravens organization, providing guidance and perspective to players, coaches, and personnel."

Brigance first played in an NFL game during the 1996 campaign for the Dolphins. The 2000 campaign was his only one with the Ravens, and he appeared in all 16 regular-season games before helping lead the team to a Super Bowl title.

In fact, he made the first tackle of Super Bowl XXXV, which Baltimore won over the New York Giants.

While that was his only season with the Ravens as a player, he returned to the organization in a personnel role in player engagement following his playing career.

What's more, Brigance and his wife, Chanda, established the Brigance Brigade Foundation.

"The foundation has worked to improve the quality of life for people living with ALS and their families by providing access to support services, needed equipment and resource guidance," the announcement explained.

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and general manager Eric DeCosta were among those who reacted to Brigance's death:

So did former Ravens and current Giants head coach John Harbaugh, who said, "O.J. was a great friend to me, my wife and my daughter, and I will always treasure the time we shared with him. We loved him, and we respected him. He was a hero in our eyes."