Former Super Bowl champion with Eagles passes away after battling cancer

The football world is mourning the loss of Bryan Braman, a former Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Braman, known for his work on special teams and his contributions during the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory, was a beloved figure both on and off the field. His death marks the end of a life that was defined by perseverance, hard work, and an unyielding dedication to his team and community.

Braman’s legacy goes beyond his role as a football player. He was known for his leadership, resilience, and the impact he had on his teammates, as well as his charitable work and devotion to his family. Though he was often overshadowed by bigger names during his playing days, Braman’s contributions to the Eagles’ championship run and his perseverance in the face of illness have left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him.

This article will reflect on Bryan Braman’s life, his path to the NFL, his significant role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, and the personal battles he faced in the latter part of his life. It will also look at the incredible impact he had on those around him and the lessons he leaves behind.

Bryan Braman’s journey to the NFL was far from conventional. He did not have the high-profile college career of some of his peers, and his path to professional football was one marked by determination, grit, and a relentless work ethic. Braman’s story is one that many aspiring athletes can relate to—facing adversity, setbacks, and doubts, but always pushing forward.

Braman played college football at the University of West Texas A&M, where he made his mark as a linebacker and special teams player. Though he was not drafted by any NFL team, his tenacity and physicality caught the eye of scouts. In 2011, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Texans, where he began his NFL career as a special teams standout.

Though Braman spent much of his early years bouncing between practice squads and active rosters, he never let the uncertainty of his career deter him. His work ethic and versatility earned him a spot on the Eagles’ roster in 2014, where he would go on to become a vital part of the team’s special teams unit.

His ability to play multiple roles, combined with his high-energy style of play, made him a favorite among his coaches and teammates. Though he wasn’t often in the spotlight, Braman’s contributions behind the scenes were integral to the Eagles’ success during the 2017 season. His performance on special teams helped set the tone for the team’s eventual Super Bowl victory.

Bryan Braman’s defining moment came during the 2017-2018 NFL season, when he was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. That season would go down in history as one of the most memorable in Eagles’ lore, as the team secured its first-ever Super Bowl championship in franchise history by defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.

Although Braman was not a starter or a focal point of the team’s offense or defense, his role on special teams was invaluable. Special teams play can often go overlooked in the grand narrative of a football season, but it is a crucial aspect of a team’s success. Braman’s ability to contribute to special teams during critical moments gave the Eagles an edge in the battle for field position, and his intensity set the tone for the team’s overall physicality.

The Super Bowl victory was a culmination of years of hard work for Braman. He was part of a group of players who may not have garnered as much attention as the star quarterbacks or wide receivers, but who played just as important a role in securing the title. His willingness to do whatever it took for the team to succeed, whether it was contributing on special teams or taking on a role that wasn’t glamorous, made him a key player in the Eagles’ ultimate triumph.

For Eagles fans, the 2017 season will forever be remembered as the year they achieved the unthinkable—defeating the mighty Patriots in a high-scoring, dramatic showdown. And for those who played alongside Braman, it was clear that his energy, professionalism, and team-first mentality were crucial elements in the Eagles’ path to glory.

After retiring from the NFL, Bryan Braman faced new challenges. Like many former athletes, he had to find a new sense of purpose outside of the game he had loved for so many years. In his retirement, Braman turned his attention to his family and his community, where he continued to make a difference.

Braman was deeply committed to charitable work, particularly in supporting organizations focused on children and families in need. He was a regular volunteer at events benefiting children with disabilities and worked tirelessly to give back to the community that had supported him throughout his career. His positive influence extended far beyond the football field, and those who had the privilege of working with him on community projects often praised his humility and passion for helping others.

While he embraced the quieter aspects of life after football, Braman remained a visible figure within the Eagles community, frequently returning to Philadelphia for team events and engaging with fans who admired him for his contributions to the Super Bowl-winning team. He often spoke about the bond he shared with his former teammates and how much the experience of winning the championship meant to him personally.

Though his time as a professional athlete had ended, Braman’s love for football remained evident, as he was often seen at local games and events, supporting the next generation of players.

In the years following his retirement, Bryan Braman’s life would take an unexpected and difficult turn. He was diagnosed with cancer, a disease that would ultimately claim his life after a courageous and lengthy battle. The specifics of his illness were kept largely private, but those who knew him well understood that he faced it with the same strength and resilience that had defined his career on the football field.

Throughout his illness, Braman remained optimistic and focused on his family and community. He was open about his fight, using his platform to raise awareness and to inspire others facing similar struggles. Despite the physical and emotional toll cancer took on him, he maintained a positive outlook, always emphasizing the importance of perseverance and faith.

Even as his health began to decline, Braman continued to express gratitude for the life he had lived and the people who had supported him throughout his journey. In interviews and social media posts, he thanked his family, friends, and fans for their unwavering love and encouragement, acknowledging that it was their support that had helped him stay strong through the toughest moments.

“It’s not about the wins or losses,” Braman once said in a heartfelt message to his followers. “It’s about the people who stand by you when things get tough. I’m grateful for every moment I’ve had and for the love I’ve received.”

His words resonated with so many who admired his strength, not only as a football player but as a man. In the face of a life-threatening illness, Bryan Braman continued to inspire others with his humility, resilience, and the way he chose to live with purpose and positivity.

The news of Bryan Braman’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from the Eagles organization, his former teammates, and fans alike. Many players who had shared the locker room with him spoke of his leadership, his work ethic, and the joy he brought to every day of practice and every game.

Eagles head coach Doug Pederson, who led the team to the Super Bowl, expressed his sadness at the loss. “Bryan was more than just a player; he was a brother to us all. He represented everything that is great about the game of football—the heart, the dedication, and the willingness to do whatever it took for the team to succeed. His spirit will always be a part of the Eagles’ family.”

Teammates from his time with the Eagles, including those who played on special teams with him, shared their thoughts on social media. “Bryan was one of the toughest guys I’ve ever met,” said one former teammate. “He gave everything he had for the team, and he never complained. It’s a privilege to have played alongside him, and I’ll always remember the way he led by example.”

Fans also expressed their gratitude, recalling the pivotal moments in the Super Bowl and Braman’s key contributions to the team’s success. “He wasn’t a household name, but he was so important to our win,” one fan wrote. “Bryan Braman will always be remembered as a champion in our eyes.”

In the days following his death, the Eagles held a moment of silence for Bryan Braman at their season opener, honoring his memory and his contributions to the team. His name will forever be etched into the history of the Philadelphia Eagles as a Super Bowl champion, and his legacy as a selfless, dedicated player and human being will continue to inspire future generations.

Above all, Bryan Braman was a family man. His wife, children, and loved ones were always at the center of his world. Throughout his illness, he leaned on them for support, and in his final days, they remained by his side, providing the same love and strength that he had always given them.

In a statement following his passing, his family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support. “Bryan was the love of our lives. He fought so hard, and we are so proud of him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.”

Bryan Braman’s death is a tragic loss, but his life serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on others. From his undrafted beginnings to his role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, Braman’s story is one of perseverance, humility, and dedication. Though his career in football may have been defined by special teams plays, his legacy is defined by the way he lived his life—through service to others, through love for his family, and through the courage with which he faced his final battle.

He may have passed too soon, but the lessons he leaves behind will resonate for years to come. Bryan Braman’s name will live on in the hearts of Eagles fans and anyone who ever admired his strength, resilience, and heart. He was more than a champion on the field—he was a champion in life.