Super Bowl Champion Linebacker Bryan Braman Dies at 38 After Brave Cancer Battle

 

Spokane, WA — Former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl champion Bryan Braman has died at the age of 38 following a courageous battle with an aggressive and rare form of cancer. His agent, Sean Stellato, confirmed the news to CNN Sports on Thursday, describing Braman as “a warrior in every sense—on the field and in life—facing every battle with unshakable grit and heart.”

Braman’s passing marks the end of a remarkable journey that inspired countless fans and fellow athletes. He spent seven seasons in the National Football League, playing for both the Houston Texans and the Philadelphia Eagles, and was a member of the Eagles team that famously won Super Bowl LII in 2018.

A Fierce Competitor On and Off the Field

Born on May 4, 1987, in Spokane, Washington, Bryan Braman’s path to the NFL was anything but easy. After playing college football at West Texas A&M, he went undrafted in 2011 but fought his way onto the Houston Texans roster through sheer determination. He quickly became known for his fearlessness on special teams and his wild-haired intensity during games.

His relentless energy and team-first mentality made him a fan favorite. In Philadelphia, Braman was not only respected for his performance but loved for his passion and commitment to the game. He helped lead the Eagles to their first-ever Super Bowl title, a moment he often described as the pinnacle of his career.

The Battle Off the Field

In February 2025, Braman was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening cancer that required aggressive and immediate treatment. Doctors prescribed a rigorous 12-week CAR-T cell therapy program in Seattle—a promising, yet physically demanding procedure in which a patient’s immune cells are reprogrammed to attack cancer cells.

Unfortunately, his medical insurance did not cover housing during his stay in Seattle. This left Braman in a precarious financial position. Having already depleted much of his savings, he sold his last vehicle just to afford temporary lodging in a motel. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover his living expenses and care, and thousands of fans and former teammates contributed in a heartfelt show of support.

An update posted on June 20 revealed that while the therapy initially showed encouraging signs—shrinking the tumors and helping his body begin to fight back—the cancer returned with increased aggression. Braman underwent multiple surgeries, but complications due to a suppressed immune system made recovery difficult. When he was finally strong enough for another round of chemotherapy, the cancer had already spread to vital organs, significantly limiting his treatment options.

Legacy of Strength and Resilience

Bryan Braman’s story is not only one of athletic achievement but also of resilience, heart, and humility. Those who knew him best remember him as a fighter who never gave up, whether he was chasing down kick returners on the field or facing an invisible enemy inside his own body.

“His passing leaves a void not just in football, but in the spirit of every underdog who ever dared to fight,” Stellato said.

In his final months, Braman used his platform to raise awareness about cancer treatment inequities and the financial toll it can take—even on former professional athletes. He remained upbeat and hopeful, often thanking his supporters and expressing gratitude for each day he had.

Tributes Pour In

Former teammates, fans, and members of the NFL community have begun paying tribute to Braman on social media, sharing memories of his intensity, his humor, and his refusal to quit. Many recalled his iconic moments on special teams and his leadership in the locker room. The Philadelphia Eagles released a statement honoring his legacy, saying, “Bryan Braman embodied what it means to be an Eagle: tough, selfless, and fearless. We are heartbroken by his loss.”

Braman is survived by his family and a legacy that stretches far beyond football. He will be remembered not just for the tackles and the titles, but for his unbreakable spirit and the courage he showed until the very end.

Rest in peace, Bryan Braman.