Bryan Braman, the fierce linebacker who won a Super Bowl and played seven seasons in the NFL across two teams, has passed away at the age of 38 following a courageous fight against a rare form of cancer. His agent confirmed the heartbreaking news to CNN Sports on Thursday.
“Bryan Braman was a true warrior — both on the field and in life,” Sean Stellato told CNN. “He faced every challenge with unyielding grit and an unstoppable heart. His loss leaves a profound void, not only in football but also in the spirit of every underdog who dared to fight.”
A GoFundMe page was created to support Bryan Braman after his diagnosis with a rare, life-threatening cancer in February. He faced an intense 12-week treatment regimen in Seattle that required round-the-clock caregiving. Unfortunately, his insurance did not cover housing expenses, leaving him without a permanent place to stay. Having exhausted much of his savings, Bryan even sold his last vehicle to afford a motel for the week.
An update posted on June 20 revealed that Bryan had returned home following CAR-T cell therapy in Seattle—a cutting-edge treatment targeting his rare form of cancer. Initially, the therapy showed hope: his reprogrammed immune cells began multiplying and shrinking the tumor. But the cancer fought back aggressively, and Bryan had to begin a chemotherapy plan tailored to his condition.
The update also shared that Bryan endured multiple surgeries, and his weakened immune system from the treatments made recovery especially challenging. By the time he regained enough strength to continue chemotherapy, the cancer had rapidly grown and spread to his vital organs.
Bryan Braman was much more than a professional football player and Super Bowl champion — he was a symbol of fierce determination and resilience. Born on May 4, 1987, in Spokane, Washington, Bryan played college football at West Texas A&M before signing with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2011. Over seven NFL seasons, he played with the Texans and later the Philadelphia Eagles, where he earned a Super Bowl LII ring. Known for his relentless energy and powerful special teams play, Bryan became a beloved fan favorite and respected locker room leader.