**Super Bowl Champion Bryan Braman Tragically Passes Away at 38 After Battling Rare Cancer**
The sports world is mourning the loss of former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl champion Bryan Braman, who passed away at the age of 38 after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer. Braman, known for his relentless energy on the field and his larger-than-life personality off it, leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering love for the game of football. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, with former teammates, coaches, and fans paying tribute to a man who embodied the spirit of an underdog and the heart of a champion.
Braman’s journey to the NFL was anything but conventional. Born on June 28, 1987, in North Las Vegas, Nevada, he grew up with a deep love for sports but was not heavily recruited out of high school. Determined to chase his football dreams, he attended West Texas A&M, a Division II school, where he quickly made a name for himself as a relentless pass rusher and special teams standout. Despite his impressive college career, Braman went undrafted in 2011. However, his relentless work ethic and explosive athleticism caught the attention of the Houston Texans, who signed him as an undrafted free agent.
From the beginning, Braman made an impact with his high-energy play. Standing at 6’5” with a chiseled frame and long, flowing hair, he became a fan favorite in Houston for his fearless approach to special teams. His ability to sprint downfield and deliver bone-jarring hits made him one of the league’s most feared gunners. Braman’s dedication to his craft earned him a reputation as a player who would do whatever it took to contribute, whether on defense or in the game’s often-overlooked third phase.
After three seasons with the Texans, Braman signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014, where he would eventually achieve the pinnacle of football success. Though he was primarily a special teams contributor, his presence in the locker room and on the field was invaluable. In 2017, Braman and the Eagles embarked on a historic season, overcoming adversity to capture the franchise’s first Super Bowl title in a thrilling victory over the New England Patriots. Braman’s contributions to that championship team went beyond statistics—his energy, leadership, and unselfishness epitomized the “next man up” mentality that defined the Eagles’ magical run.
Following his time in Philadelphia, Braman spent a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints before stepping away from the NFL. Though his professional career had ended, his love for football never waned. He remained connected to the game, mentoring young players and sharing his experiences with those looking to follow in his footsteps.
Tragically, Braman’s post-football life was marked by a devastating health battle. In recent years, he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Despite the challenges, he faced his illness with the same tenacity he displayed on the field, fighting tirelessly while maintaining a positive outlook. His battle was private, with only close friends and family aware of the severity of his condition, but those who knew him spoke of his courage and resilience until the very end.
News of Braman’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from across the NFL community. Former teammates and coaches have taken to social media to honor his memory, sharing stories of his infectious energy, kindness, and dedication. Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie released a statement calling Braman “a true competitor and a beloved teammate who brought passion to every moment.” Former Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin, a close friend and teammate, described Braman as “one of the toughest and most genuine people I’ve ever known.”
Beyond football, Braman was remembered as a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and a man of deep faith. Those closest to him often spoke of his generosity and his willingness to help others, whether through charity work or simply offering words of encouragement. His larger-than-life personality made him unforgettable, and his impact on those around him extended far beyond the gridiron.
Braman’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the indiscriminate nature of illness. At just 38 years old, he leaves behind a legacy that transcends his athletic achievements. He was a testament to the power of perseverance, a player who defied the odds to live out his NFL dream, and a man who faced his final battle with the same fearlessness that defined his career.
As the football world mourns his loss, Bryan Braman’s story serves as an inspiration—a reminder to cherish every moment, to fight relentlessly for what you love, and to leave a lasting impact on those around you. Though his life was cut far too short, his spirit, his passion, and his indomitable will live on in the memories of those who knew him and the fans who cheered for him.
Rest in peace, Bryan Braman. A champion on the field, and an even greater one in life. ️
