O.J. Brigance, a former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and their longtime senior adviser to player development, has died, the team announced Monday evening.
Brigance battled ALS for the past 19 years. He was 56.
"For 22 years, we've been blessed to have O.J. as a teammate, friend and brother. It's a sad day, but also a celebration of all the gifts that O.J. bestowed upon our team and our city and the entire NFL community." Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. "O.J. inspired us with humility, faithfulness, determination, competitiveness and love for humankind.
"We never once saw O.J. angry or frustrated by his disease. Instead, we all witnessed a hero who influenced so many people through his unwavering optimism and grit. O.J. Brigance is the definition of what it means to live like a Raven. I will miss his smile and the twinkle of joy in his eyes."
Brigance, one of the most revered figures in the organization and a source of inspiration to players, coaches and team officials, was diagnosed with ALS at age 38 following a seven-year NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, Ravens, St. Louis Rams and New England Patriots.

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