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Bryan Braman, a former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, has died at 38 after battling an aggressive and rare form of cancer. His death was confirmed Thursday by his agent, Sean Stellato.
Diagnosed in February, Braman had undergone intensive treatment in Seattle, including CAR-T cell therapy and multiple surgeries. The cancer initially responded but returned with alarming speed, eventually growing around his vital organs. A GoFundMe launched to support his care reported that his immune system was so compromised he struggled to recover between treatments.
By June, Braman had returned home, though doctors had run out of viable chemotherapy options. "The cancer started fighting back," fundraiser organizer William Jones noted in a final update, explaining that the disease progressed faster than the medical team could manage.
Stellato, who remained close to Braman throughout his illness, described the loss as deeply personal. "Bryan, people saw this enormous human being, but his heart was even bigger," he told Houston's KPRC. "He would give you everything. He gave me his own bed every time I visited. My heart is shattered."
Tributes from across the NFL followed news of Braman's passing. J.J. Watt, who played with him in Houston, wrote on X: "Rest in peace, brother. Gone far too soon." Watt had earlier donated $10,000 to Braman's medical fund, which ultimately raised over $88,000.
Braman entered the NFL in 2011 as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans. He later signed with the Eagles in 2014 and was brought back for the team's 2017 playoff run. While he wasn't a starter, Braman registered a key tackle in the Eagles' victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
Known for his high-energy special teams play and fearlessness, Braman appeared in 97 games during his NFL career, recording 56 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Off the field, Braman was remembered as a devoted father to two daughters, aged 11 and 8. Friends and teammates recalled his loyalty, humor, and generosity.
His alma mater, West Texas A&M, where he made his name as a college standout, also paid tribute, calling him "a relentless athlete and an even greater person." Braman's fight ended far too early, but his impact—on and off the field—remains indelible.
