O. J. Brigance
Orenthial James Brigance (born September 29, 1969) is a former football linebacker who played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL). He is the senior advisor to player development for the Baltimore Ravens.
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| Position: | Linebacker | ||||||||
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| Born: | September 29, 1969 Houston, Texas | ||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 236 lb (107 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Willowridge (Houston, Texas) | ||||||||
| College: | Rice | ||||||||
| Undrafted: | 1991 | ||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||
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Football career
Brigance was born in Houston and played college football at Rice University, where he was a three-year starter. He graduated from Rice with a degree in managerial studies in 1992.[1]
Beginning his pro career as a linebacker in the CFL with the BC Lions in 1991, Brigance played three seasons and 54 games. His best season came in 1993, when he recorded 20 sacks and was a CFL West All-Star.[2] Brigance then played for the Baltimore Stallions for two seasons, becoming a CFL All-Star in 1995, recording seven sacks and helping his team win the Grey Cup.[2]
In 1996, Brigance was signed by the Miami Dolphins as a free agent. He was twice voted a team captain during his four seasons there and his teammates named him Ed Block Courage Award recipient in 1999. In addition, he was honored with the NFL Player Association's "Unsung Hero Award" that same season.
The next year, he was signed by the Baltimore Ravens. Brigance was a key contributor to the Ravens' championship-winning team as he finished second on the team with 25 special teams tackles and led the team with 10 special teams tackles in the post-season (including the first tackle of Super Bowl XXXV). He played for St. Louis Rams in 2001 and 2002, and a final game with the New England Patriots before retiring.
He is one of several players to have won both a CFL and NFL championship, and the only player in the history of both leagues to win those championships for the same city.
During his time as a Dolphin, Brigance was involved in a number of different community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Daily Food Bank.[3]
He is currently the Director of Player Development for the Ravens and serves as a motivator and inspiration for the team.[4]
On January 20, 2013, Brigance was a part of the award ceremony when he presented the Baltimore Ravens with the Lamar Hunt trophy after the Ravens defeated the New England Patriots in the 2012 AFC Championship Game.
On February 3, 2013, Brigance was a part of the presentation of the Vince Lombardi Trophy to the Baltimore Ravens after they won Super Bowl XLVII.
Personal life
In May 2007,[5] Brigance was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), a motor neuron disease that is eventually fatal.[6] He has created a foundation to assist ALS research called the Brigance Brigade Foundation.[7] For his ALS activism, Brigance was one of two recipients of the 2016 NCAA Inspiration Award, sharing honors with late Mount St. Joseph University basketball player and pediatric cancer victim Lauren Hill.[8]
References
- "2012 Distinguished Alumni Awards". Rice University News & Media. 11 May 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
- "O.J. Brigance". cflapedia.com. Retrieved March 26, 2015.
- http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Staff/Player_Personnel/O,-d-,J,-d-,_Brigance.aspx
- Steele, David (14 January 2009). "Baltimore Ravens draw on O.J. Brigance's strength". Los Angeles Times.
- Corbett, Jim (November 26, 2008). "Q&A with O.J. Brigance: Speed limits in Ravens hallways". USA Today.
- "Baltimore Ravens News — Ravens' Brigance honored for his courage". Profootball24x7.com. Retrieved 2013-02-17.
- "Brigance Brigade". Brigance Brigade. Retrieved 2013-02-17.
- "Lauren Hill, O.J. Brigance to receive 2016 NCAA Inspiration Award" (Press release). NCAA. December 1, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
- "Former NFL Player Tackles Life with ALS".