The football world is plunged into mourning over an immense loss. Bryan Braman, a former linebacker who donned the jerseys of both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Houston Texans, succumbed to brain cancer on July 16th, following a prolonged and valiant battle against the disease, as confirmed by his long-standing agent, Sean Stellato. He was just 38 years old.
"It feels as though I've lost my firstborn," Stellato shared with NBC affiliate KPRC 2 on July 17th. "I have prayed over his jersey. Bryan was a colossal figure, yet his heart was as vast as his stature. His spirit was profoundly inspiring. He was authentic and genuine in his interactions with everyone, making him truly special."
Stellato revealed that Braman, who leaves behind two daughters aged 11 and 8, "breathed his last in the comforting presence of friends and family" after battling a "rare, aggressive, and relentless form of cancer."
"Consider his journey—overcoming the odds to reach the NFL despite going undrafted," Stellato continued. "Not only did he make it, but he excelled and became a world champion. His path was arduous. In life's race, we all strive. To perish at 38 leaves the world of football and his family reeling. He embodied the spirit of football and the underdog."
Braman, who played three seasons with the Texans and four with the Eagles, embarked on a 12-week treatment program in February, requiring round-the-clock care, as detailed in a GoFundMe campaign set up for his medical expenses. He underwent CAR T-cell therapy, aiming to reprogram his T cells to attack and eradicate cancer cells, before returning home for recuperation. Nonetheless, challenges persisted as the tumor began to grow anew.
"At this juncture, Bryan had to commence chemotherapy tailored to his treatment program," stated an update on June 20th. "He underwent numerous surgical procedures."
"The principal issue was that Bryan's weakened immune system, a consequence of his treatments, hindered his recovery from these procedures," the message continued. "By the time he regained strength to resume chemotherapy, the cancer had multiplied exponentially, now encroaching upon his vital organs."
Nonetheless, the notification emphasized Braman's unyielding resolve to persist in his battle, asserting, "He is actively seeking out alternative, experimental treatment pathways, vowing to never capitulate."
The athlete, who celebrated Super Bowl victory with his Eagles teammates in 2018, received an outpouring of affection following his passing.
"I didn't plan to shed tears this morning," wrote former Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho on X. "Then I learned of my teammate, Bryan Braman. Love you, Braman. You led a challenging life, yet never complained. A champion in life, a warrior until the end."
Braman's Texans teammate J.J. Watt also expressed his heartfelt sorrow, writing on X, "Rest in Peace, brother. Taken from us far too soon."
