Bryan Braman, former linebacker for the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles, has died at the age of 38. His agent, Sean Stellato, confirmed that Braman passed away on Thursday, 17 July, after months of treatment for a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Braman had been undergoing care in Seattle, where he had multiple surgeries and received CAR-T cell therapy. His diagnosis was first shared publicly in February through a GoFundMe campaign created to support his medical costs.
“Gone far too soon”
The fundraiser, which raised more than $88,000, drew wide support from teammates and fans alike. Former Texans teammate JJ Watt contributed $10,000 and shared a tribute on X, writing, “Rest in Peace brother. Gone far too soon.”
Tributes continued pouring in across social media. Fans, former coaches and players remembered Braman not only for his wild energy on the field, but for his loyalty in the locker room and his commitment to the sport.
Braman's agent described him as a proud father. He is survived by his daughters, Blakely and Marlowe, aged 11 and 8.
From undrafted to unforgettable
Braman’s journey to the NFL was not conventional. He went undrafted in 2011 after college stints at Long Beach City College, Idaho and West Texas A&M. Still, he earned his way onto the Houston Texans’ roster as a free agent.
What followed was a seven-season NFL career defined by grit and fearlessness. He made 97 appearances across both teams, recording 56 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.
In 2014, Braman signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles worth $3.15 million. He became known for his aggressive special teams play, once making a tackle after losing his helmet mid-play.
But his defining moment came during the 2017 season.
Super Bowl LII: A final bow
Braman rejoined the Eagles just before their playoff run and made an immediate impact. In a tense 15–10 win against the Atlanta Falcons, he blocked a crucial punt that shifted the game’s momentum.
He played his final professional match in Super Bowl LII, where the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41–33. Braman recorded a tackle in the game that gave Philadelphia its first NFL championship since 1960.
Reflecting on his life and career, Braman once said, “The three greatest accomplishments in my life [are] my seven NFL seasons, the Super Bowl win and my daughters,” as reported by The Guardian.
A quiet battle, A loud legacy
Despite his public image as a relentless and loud presence on the field, Braman chose to keep his illness largely private. Updates came only through the GoFundMe page, where in June it was revealed that the cancer had spread rapidly around vital organs.
Many close to him have noted the shock of his passing, as few outside his inner circle knew how serious his condition had become.
His former teammate and friend JJ Watt said it best. “Gone far too soon.”
What set Braman apart wasn’t just how he played, but how he carried himself. He was the kind of player every team needs. Not a star by name, but someone who took hits, blocked punts and never looked for the spotlight.
NFL fans remember him as a fierce special teams player, but teammates knew him as the glue in every locker room he entered.
Even in an era where the NFL often celebrates high-profile stars, Braman carved out a place through hustle, heart and sheer determination. His story remains a reminder that greatness often comes from those who never ask for it.
Braman had been undergoing care in Seattle, where he had multiple surgeries and received CAR-T cell therapy. His diagnosis was first shared publicly in February through a GoFundMe campaign created to support his medical costs.
“Gone far too soon”
The fundraiser, which raised more than $88,000, drew wide support from teammates and fans alike. Former Texans teammate JJ Watt contributed $10,000 and shared a tribute on X, writing, “Rest in Peace brother. Gone far too soon.”
Rest in Peace brother.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 17, 2025
Gone far too soon.
🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/bJfEPMPCAc
Tributes continued pouring in across social media. Fans, former coaches and players remembered Braman not only for his wild energy on the field, but for his loyalty in the locker room and his commitment to the sport.
Braman's agent described him as a proud father. He is survived by his daughters, Blakely and Marlowe, aged 11 and 8.
From undrafted to unforgettable
Braman’s journey to the NFL was not conventional. He went undrafted in 2011 after college stints at Long Beach City College, Idaho and West Texas A&M. Still, he earned his way onto the Houston Texans’ roster as a free agent.
What followed was a seven-season NFL career defined by grit and fearlessness. He made 97 appearances across both teams, recording 56 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.
In 2014, Braman signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles worth $3.15 million. He became known for his aggressive special teams play, once making a tackle after losing his helmet mid-play.
But his defining moment came during the 2017 season.
Super Bowl LII: A final bow
Braman rejoined the Eagles just before their playoff run and made an immediate impact. In a tense 15–10 win against the Atlanta Falcons, he blocked a crucial punt that shifted the game’s momentum.
He played his final professional match in Super Bowl LII, where the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41–33. Braman recorded a tackle in the game that gave Philadelphia its first NFL championship since 1960.
Reflecting on his life and career, Braman once said, “The three greatest accomplishments in my life [are] my seven NFL seasons, the Super Bowl win and my daughters,” as reported by The Guardian.
A quiet battle, A loud legacy
Despite his public image as a relentless and loud presence on the field, Braman chose to keep his illness largely private. Updates came only through the GoFundMe page, where in June it was revealed that the cancer had spread rapidly around vital organs.
Many close to him have noted the shock of his passing, as few outside his inner circle knew how serious his condition had become.
His former teammate and friend JJ Watt said it best. “Gone far too soon.”
What set Braman apart wasn’t just how he played, but how he carried himself. He was the kind of player every team needs. Not a star by name, but someone who took hits, blocked punts and never looked for the spotlight.
NFL fans remember him as a fierce special teams player, but teammates knew him as the glue in every locker room he entered.
Even in an era where the NFL often celebrates high-profile stars, Braman carved out a place through hustle, heart and sheer determination. His story remains a reminder that greatness often comes from those who never ask for it.
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