Super Bowl Champion Bryan Braman Dies at 38 After Fierce Cancer Battle

Former NFL player and Super Bowl champion Bryan Braman has passed away at the age of 38 following a relentless fight against an aggressive form of cancer. His agent, Sean P. Stellato, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Thursday, sending shockwaves through the football community.

A native of Spokane, Washington, Braman leaves behind two young daughters. Though widely known as a gritty, dependable edge rusher, Braman carved out his niche on special teams, playing for several franchises including the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, and New Orleans Saints. He was most recognized for his time with the Eagles, where he played a crucial role in their Super Bowl LII championship run in 2018.

A memorable moment from his career includes blocking a punt during a divisional playoff game—an example of the kind of effort that made him a fan favorite and respected teammate.

Braman’s health struggles became public earlier this year when a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover mounting medical bills. Though his specific diagnosis wasn’t initially disclosed, the campaign revealed he had been undergoing CAR-T cell therapy in Seattle—a cutting-edge treatment that reprograms the body’s immune cells to attack cancer.

In a June 20 update, fundraiser organizer William Jones shared a brief moment of hope, stating that Braman’s reprogrammed cells were beginning to replicate within his bone marrow and that initial results looked promising. But the tide quickly turned.

“The cancer started fighting back,” Jones wrote solemnly. “Still, Bryan never gave up.”

Indeed, even in the final months of his life, Braman remained determined, researching new treatment options and continuing to fight for more time with his loved ones. His unyielding spirit inspired many, including former teammates like J.J. Watt, who donated $10,000 to support Braman’s battle, and Emmanuel Acho, who helped spread awareness on social media.

The GoFundMe campaign ultimately raised nearly $90,000—a testament to the deep respect and love Braman earned throughout his career and beyond.

“Bryan Braman has always embodied strength, resilience, and leadership,” Stellato said in a statement to Houston’s KPRC 2. “He was a true underdog—a warrior on and off the field.”

Bryan Braman’s legacy as both a fierce competitor and devoted father lives on, reminding us that courage isn’t just about how you play the game—it’s about how you face life’s toughest battles.