Former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Bryan Braman has died from a rare form of brain cancer at the age of 38.
Braman’s agent told NBC News he was diagnosed with the aggressive cancer earlier this year. He’d undergone an intensive 12-week treatment at a hospital in Seattle, Wash., before heading back to his native Spokane, where he died Thursday morning.
A GoFundMe had been set up on Braman’s behalf in February to help offset the costs associated with his treatment, which included multiple surgeries. The fundraiser had brought in more than $90,000, including multiple donations from former teammates.
“During his four seasons in Philadelphia, Bryan was a loyal teammate, a supporter of the community and a valuable member of our Super Bowl LII-winning team,” The Eagles said in a statement. “More importantly, he was a devoted father who passionately loved his family and everyone around him.”
Braman is survived by his mother and sister, as well as two daughters, ages 8 and 11, his agent told ESPN.
Braman was an Eagle from 2014 to 2018. His last year in Philadelphia brought the team its first Super Bowl title. Prior to that, he played for the Houston Texans after leaving West Texas A&M University and joining the NFL in 2011 as an undrafted free agent.
While Braman played defense, he was most effective on special teams. His shining moment came in the final minutes of Super Bowl LII when he sniffed out a trick play the Patriots were trying to execute on a kickoff return and shut it down with a decisive tackle.
His death was mourned by several of his former teammates, including Eagles linebacker-turned-sports analyst Emmanuel Acho.
“I didn’t intend on crying this morning. Then I read the news on my teammate, Bryan Braman,” Acho wrote on social media. “Love you Braman. You lived a hard life, and you never complained about it. A champion in life and a warrior in death.”
“Rest in Peace brother. Goon far too soon,” said JJ Watt, who played with Braman in Houston.
According to ESPN, Braman recorded 1.5 sacks during his 101 NFL game career and made 56 tackles.
