Former NFL linebacker Bryan Braman, who played for the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles, passed away Thursday at the age of 38 after a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, ESPN reported.
Braman was diagnosed in February and underwent multiple surgeries while receiving treatment in Seattle. A GoFundMe campaign launched to support his medical expenses revealed the extent of his challenges, including the need for 24-hour care and housing not covered by insurance. He had even sold his vehicle to afford a motel during his treatment.
His agent, Sean Stellato, confirmed Braman’s passing and shared that he is survived by two daughters, ages 11 and 8.
The GoFundMe effort raised over $88,000, with support pouring in from the NFL community. Former Texans star J.J. Watt contributed $10,000, and other former teammates also donated.
Braman’s treatment involved CAR T-cell therapy—a cutting-edge approach that genetically modifies a patient’s T cells to better detect and attack cancer. According to a June update, the therapy initially showed promise, with cancer cells shrinking and T cells reproducing in his bone marrow. However, the disease soon began to fight back. Despite additional chemotherapy, Braman struggled to recover from surgeries due to a weakened immune system.
Stellato paid tribute to Braman, saying, “Bryan Braman has always stood for strength, resilience, and leadership. He was a true underdog who never stopped fighting—even in the face of cancer, he embodied those qualities more than ever.”
Braman’s grit on the field and his strength off it leave behind a lasting legacy, both in football and in the hearts of those who knew him.
