Former NFL linebacker Bryan Braman dies at 38 after battling a rare cancer.
HOUSTON — Former Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Bryan Braman has died at the age of 38 after battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer, according to his agent. ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared the news Thursday morning on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Braman, who was known for his special teams play and won a Super Bowl with the Eagles in 2017, had been undergoing treatment this year in Seattle, Washington. According to a GoFundMe campaign created to support him, Braman was fighting a life-threatening cancer that required an intensive 12-week treatment program. The organizer described the cancer as “a VERY rare form” that aggressively attacked his vital organs.
In June, the GoFundMe detailed Braman’s struggle. After undergoing CAR-T cell therapy, where his cells were reprogrammed to fight the cancer, the mass initially began to shrink but then grew back rapidly. Complications from lowered immunity and multiple surgeries left Braman with limited treatment options as the cancer advanced.
At the time of the fundraiser, Braman was living in motels while paying out of pocket for much of his care.
“He has no home currently as he has had to pay out of pocket for much of his treatment, and even sold his last vehicle to raise the money for the motel for this week,” the fundraiser organizer wrote. “Next week he had nothing lined up yet, and need immediate help to be able to have a place to rest after each treatment each day.”
The GoFundMe sought $15,000 to help cover housing costs for Braman, his caregiver, and his uncle, with donors also contributing meal cards and essential items to help him through the medical crisis. The organizer shared updates thanking supporters and asked for continued prayers for a miracle.
Braman, originally from Spokane, Washington, played for the Houston Texans from 2011 to 2013 before joining the Philadelphia Eagles. His NFL career is remembered not just for his on-field contributions, but for his perseverance off the field as he fought his final battle.
Those wishing to honor Braman’s memory or help his family can find the official GoFundMe page online.
NFL community reacts to the passing of Bryan Braman
The Texans released the following statement on his passing:
“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 and Texans legend J.J. Watt shared his condolences on social media:
“Rest in Peace, brother. Gone far too soon. “