Former NFL Linebacker and Super Bowl Champion Bryan Braman Dies at 38 After Cancer Battle

The NFL community is in mourning following the tragic passing of former Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans linebacker Bryan Braman, who died on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the age of 38 after a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. Braman, a Super Bowl LII champion with the Eagles, leaves behind a legacy of resilience, heart, and unwavering dedication both on and off the field. His agent, Sean Stellato, confirmed the news, noting that Braman passed away surrounded by family and friends in a Seattle hospital, where he had been undergoing intensive treatment.

Braman’s journey to the NFL was one of grit and determination. Born in Spokane, Washington, he took a winding path to professional football, starting at the University of Idaho before transferring to Long Beach City College and later West Texas A&M. Undrafted in 2011, he signed with the Houston Texans, where his fearless special teams play quickly made him a fan favorite. His most iconic moment came during his rookie season when he made a tackle without his helmet against the Tennessee Titans, a play that epitomized his relentless style. Braman spent three seasons with the Texans before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014, where he played four seasons and cemented his place in NFL history with a key role in their 2018 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots.

During the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII run, Braman’s contributions on special teams were pivotal. In the divisional round against the Atlanta Falcons, he redeemed an earlier mistake by blocking a punt, leading to a crucial field goal that shifted momentum in a tight 15-10 victory. He recorded a tackle in the Super Bowl, helping the Eagles secure a 41-33 upset over the Patriots. “Bryan was a warrior in every sense – on the field and in life – facing every battle with unshakable grit and heart,” Stellato told CNN Sports. “His passing leaves a void not just in football, but in the spirit of every underdog who ever dared to fight.”

Braman was diagnosed with brain cancer in February 2025, and despite undergoing multiple surgeries and advanced CAR T-cell therapy in Seattle, the aggressive disease progressed rapidly. A GoFundMe campaign, organized by friend William Jones, raised over $88,000 to support his treatment, with notable donations from former teammates, including $10,000 from Texans legend J.J. Watt. “Rest in Peace brother. Gone far too soon,” Watt posted on social media, accompanied by a photo of Braman in his Texans uniform. The fundraiser highlighted the challenges Braman faced, noting that his lowered immunity prevented full recovery from procedures, allowing the cancer to grow around vital organs.

Off the field, Braman was a devoted father to his two daughters, Blakely, 11, and Marlowe, 8, whom he described as one of his “three greatest accomplishments” alongside his NFL career and Super Bowl win. “He loved his two girls so, so much. They were everything, his legacy,” Stellato told PEOPLE. Braman’s mother, Tina Braman-Fields, played a vital role in his final months, managing his care and supporting his daughters. After retiring from the NFL, Braman focused on family and community, coaching youth programs in Texas and leaving an estimated net worth of $1.5 to $2 million to provide for his loved ones.

The Eagles and Texans both issued heartfelt statements. “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. “More importantly, he was a devoted father who passionately loved his family and everyone around him.” The Texans added, “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bryan Braman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Braman family during this difficult time.”

Former teammate Emmanuel Acho, now a broadcaster, shared an emotional tribute on social media: “I didn’t intend on crying this morning. Then I read the news on my teammate, Bryan Braman. Love you, Braman. You lived a hard life, and you never complained about it. A champion in life and a warrior in death.” Braman’s impact extended beyond statistics—56 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries in 97 career games—to embody the spirit of an underdog who overcame odds to achieve greatness.