O. J. Brigance

Orenthial James Brigance (born September 29, 1969) is a former football linebacker who played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL). He is the senior advisor to player development for the Baltimore Ravens.

O. J. Brigance
refer to caption
Brigance in 2023
No. 57, 58, 59
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1969-09-29) September 29, 1969
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:236 lb (107 kg)
Career information
High school:Willowridge (Houston, Texas)
College:Rice
Undrafted:1991
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:98
Tackles:21
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Football career

Brigance was born in Houston and played college football at Rice University, where he was a three-year starter. He graduated from Rice with a degree in managerial studies in 1992.[1]

Beginning his pro career as a linebacker in the CFL with the BC Lions in 1991, Brigance played three seasons and 54 games. His best season came in 1993, when he recorded 20 sacks and was a CFL West All-Star.[2] Brigance then played for the Baltimore Stallions for two seasons, becoming a CFL All-Star in 1995, recording seven sacks and helping his team win the Grey Cup.[2]

In 1996, Brigance was signed by the Miami Dolphins as a free agent. He was twice voted a team captain during his four seasons there and his teammates named him Ed Block Courage Award recipient in 1999. In addition, he was honored with the NFL Player Association's "Unsung Hero Award" that same season.

The next year, he was signed by the Baltimore Ravens. Brigance was a key contributor to the Ravens' championship-winning team as he finished second on the team with 25 special teams tackles and led the team with 10 special teams tackles in the post-season (including the first tackle of Super Bowl XXXV). He played for St. Louis Rams in 2001 and 2002, and a final game with the New England Patriots before retiring.

He is one of several players to have won both a CFL and NFL championship, and the only player in the history of both leagues to win those championships for the same city.

During his time as a Dolphin, Brigance was involved in a number of different community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Daily Food Bank.[3]

He is currently the director of player development for the Ravens and was a member of the 2013 team that won Super Bowl XLVII.[4]

Personal life

In May 2007,[5] Brigance was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), a motor neuron disease that is eventually fatal.[6] He has created a foundation to assist ALS research called the Brigance Brigade Foundation.[7] For his ALS activism, Brigance was one of two recipients of the 2016 NCAA Inspiration Award, sharing honors with late Mount St. Joseph University basketball player and pediatric cancer victim Lauren Hill.[8]

Brigance is a Christian.[9]

References
  1. "2012 Distinguished Alumni Awards". Rice University News & Media. 11 May 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  2. "O.J. Brigance". cflapedia.com. Retrieved March 26, 2015.
  3. "Baltimore Ravens | People | O.J. Brigance". www.baltimoreravens.com. Archived from the original on 2008-03-11.
  4. Steele, David (14 January 2009). "Baltimore Ravens draw on O.J. Brigance's strength". Los Angeles Times.
  5. Corbett, Jim (November 26, 2008). "Q&A with O.J. Brigance: Speed limits in Ravens hallways". USA Today.
  6. "Baltimore Ravens News — Ravens' Brigance honored for his courage". Profootball24x7.com. Retrieved 2013-02-17.
  7. "Brigance Brigade". Brigance Brigade. Retrieved 2013-02-17.
  8. "Lauren Hill, O.J. Brigance to receive 2016 NCAA Inspiration Award" (Press release). NCAA. December 1, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  9. "Former NFL Player Tackles Life with ALS".
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