Ex-NFL athlete Bryan Braman, victorious in the Super Bowl, passes away at 38 following a battle with brain cancer
Bryan Braman, a former NFL linebacker, made a significant impact during the Philadelphia Eagles' historic Super Bowl LII victory over the New England Patriots in 2018. Although Braman's on-field contributions were not extensive, his key tackle during a trick kickoff return near the end of the game played a crucial role in maintaining momentum for the Eagles, contributing to their first Super Bowl title in franchise history.
Braman, who passed away on Wednesday night at a hospital in Spokane, Washington, due to a brain cancer diagnosis made earlier this year, was renowned for his intensity and special teams prowess. His pre-game speeches were highly regarded by teammates, highlighting his ability to inspire and motivate the team.
Former Eagles receiver Jordan Matthews noted Braman's motivational team speeches, stating that they had a profound effect on his teammates. Matthew Harper, the assistant special teams coach on Braman's final squad, the 2017-18 world champion Eagles, described Braman as always full of energy.
Braman's tackle prevented a potential big play by New England, which could have changed the course of the game. The Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl, scoring a 41-33 upset victory over the Patriots.
Braman's death was met with a wave of condolences from the NFL community. His agent, Sean Stellato, provided information about Braman's survivors, including his two daughters, aged 11 and 8, as well as his mother and sister. The Philadelphia Eagles also released a statement praising Braman and offering condolences to his family.
Braman took a "narrow road" as an underdog to become a world champion. Prior to joining the Eagles, he played for the Houston Texans for three seasons. His legacy in the Eagles' historic victory is not only remembered for his direct contributions but also for the undeniable spirit and camaraderie he brought to the team.
Although Braman's name was not immediately mentioned in the broadcast following his tackle, those in the building understood its significance and the credit it deserved. During his cancer battle, Braman received support from former teammates across the NFL, including Duane Brown, Brian Cushing, Chris Long, Rasul Douglas, Brent Celek, and Emmanuel Acho, who donated to his GoFundMe campaign.
Braman will be remembered as a passionate and selfless individual with a strong presence on the team, a true team player who made a difference in the Eagles' Super Bowl victory.
Braman's intense pre-game speeches, which inspired his teammates immensely, were characteristic of the American-football atmosphere during his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite not playing credit-worthy minutes on the field, Braman made a significant impact through his Game-changing tackle in the NFL's Super Bowl LII, playing a pivotal role in the Eagles' historic victory over the New England Patriots.
