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Rice University Athletics
Rice Remembers O.J. Brigance
8/17/2026 5:03:00 PM | Football
Houston: O.J. Brigance, a former standout linebacker at Rice and at the professional level who responded to a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by creating The Brigance Brigade, which provides support and other resources for the families facing a similar reality, passed away on Monday at the age of 56.
Brigance began his football journey at Willowridge High School near Houston before coming to Rice in the fall of 1987, where he became a three-year starter and All-SWC performer while setting a program career record with 367 tackles.
After going undrafted by the NFL in 1991, Brigance shifted focus to the Canadian Football League, first with the BC Lions and later for the Baltimore Stallions, where he was a key part of a Grey Cup championship in 1995. The following year, he reached the NFL, signing with the Miami Dolphins. In four seasons with the Dolphins, he was named a captain twice and honored by the NFL Players Association with its "Unsung Hero Award" in 1999.
He returned to Baltimore in 2000 as a member of the Ravens and led the team in special teams tackles as they went on to defeat the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. He retired from the NFL in 2002 and joined the Ravens' front office the following year, working in player development and helping Ravens players adapt to the NFL's challenges.
His efforts with the Ravens were twice honored as the Best Overall Player Development program (2005 & 2006), as well as the Outstanding Continuing Education Program in 2007.
While he continued in his role with the Ravens after his diagnosis, he and his wife, Chanda, immediately founded the Brigance Brigade in 2007, both to support research for a cure and the families and caregivers for those who were stricken. Through countless events in the Mid-Atlantic Region, the Brigance Brigade has provided critical support to families and caregivers facing the daily challenges of the debilitating disease and empowers those living with ALS.
He was inducted into the Rice Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003 and later received the R Association's Distinguished R Award in 2013.
He returned to the Rice campus in April of 2009 for the "Celebration of Courage", at which time the creation of the Brigance Courage Award was announced. The award recognizes a Rice football player who embodies the qualities Brigance demonstrated during his career.
In 2012, he was again honored by his alma mater as one of its Distinguished Alumni during the 2012 Association of Rice Alumni Laureates Dinner.
In 2015, Brigance was honored by the Pro Football Writers of America with the George Halas Award, which is presented annually to the NFL player, coach, or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.
The following year, he was named a recipient of the NCAA's Inspiration Award, which recognizes an individual who, when confronted with a life-altering situation, used perseverance, dedication, and determination to overcome it and now serves as a role model, giving hope and inspiration to others in similar situations.
Brigance began his football journey at Willowridge High School near Houston before coming to Rice in the fall of 1987, where he became a three-year starter and All-SWC performer while setting a program career record with 367 tackles.
After going undrafted by the NFL in 1991, Brigance shifted focus to the Canadian Football League, first with the BC Lions and later for the Baltimore Stallions, where he was a key part of a Grey Cup championship in 1995. The following year, he reached the NFL, signing with the Miami Dolphins. In four seasons with the Dolphins, he was named a captain twice and honored by the NFL Players Association with its "Unsung Hero Award" in 1999.
He returned to Baltimore in 2000 as a member of the Ravens and led the team in special teams tackles as they went on to defeat the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. He retired from the NFL in 2002 and joined the Ravens' front office the following year, working in player development and helping Ravens players adapt to the NFL's challenges.
His efforts with the Ravens were twice honored as the Best Overall Player Development program (2005 & 2006), as well as the Outstanding Continuing Education Program in 2007.
While he continued in his role with the Ravens after his diagnosis, he and his wife, Chanda, immediately founded the Brigance Brigade in 2007, both to support research for a cure and the families and caregivers for those who were stricken. Through countless events in the Mid-Atlantic Region, the Brigance Brigade has provided critical support to families and caregivers facing the daily challenges of the debilitating disease and empowers those living with ALS.
He was inducted into the Rice Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003 and later received the R Association's Distinguished R Award in 2013.
He returned to the Rice campus in April of 2009 for the "Celebration of Courage", at which time the creation of the Brigance Courage Award was announced. The award recognizes a Rice football player who embodies the qualities Brigance demonstrated during his career.
In 2012, he was again honored by his alma mater as one of its Distinguished Alumni during the 2012 Association of Rice Alumni Laureates Dinner.
In 2015, Brigance was honored by the Pro Football Writers of America with the George Halas Award, which is presented annually to the NFL player, coach, or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.
The following year, he was named a recipient of the NCAA's Inspiration Award, which recognizes an individual who, when confronted with a life-altering situation, used perseverance, dedication, and determination to overcome it and now serves as a role model, giving hope and inspiration to others in similar situations.
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