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Former NFL linebacker Bryan Braman, who won Super Bowl LII with the Philadelphia Eagles, has died at the age of 38 after recently seeking treatment for a rare, aggressive form of cancer, his agent, Sean Stellato, confirmed to ESPN Thursday (July 17) morning.
Braman, who began his career with the Houston Texans, underwent multiple surgeries during treatment in Seattle since being diagnosed with cancer in February, according to a GoFundMe page.
"With the cancer that Bryan has, which is a VERY rare form of cancer, the Car-t treatment had the highest chance of success as the cells are reprogrammed to fight this cancer that is within Bryan," an update on the GoFundMe page organized by William Jones stated. "His cells did re-infuse themselves, and did in fact start reproducing within his bone marrow. At first the mass did start to shrink, but then the cancer started fighting back. At this point Bryan has had to start having chemo treatments that are designed for the treatment program Bryan is in."
“By the time he was able to recover so he could continue with the chemo, the cancer has grown expedentially [sic] faster, and is is [sic] now growing around his vital organs,” Jones wrote. “The Dr’s are now concerned because of his treatment, his chemo options are very limited. They have tried all of the various treatment options, and unfortunately, none of them are working against this cancer."
The GoFundMe page exceeded its original goal of $25,000, with more than $88,000 raised as of Thursday morning, which included a $10,000 donation from former All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt, who was Braman's teammate on the Texans. Braman, like Watt, began his career with the Texans in 2011, however, signed as an undrafted free agent.
"Rest in Peace brother. Gone far too soon," Watt wrote on his X account along with a photo of Braman and a praying-hands emoji.
Braman appeared in 46 games for the franchise during his first three NFL seasons before signing a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014. The Spokane native appeared in 51 regular season games during his final four seasons, which included three during the Eagles' Super Bowl LII run.