Former NFL linebacker Bryan Braman died Thursday morning at age 38 after battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer, according to his agent Sean Stellato. Braman, who played seven seasons in the NFL with the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles, was diagnosed with the disease in February 2025.
Stellato confirmed to KPRC 2 in Houston that Braman “took his last breath while surrounded by friends and family” on July 17, 2025. The agent described the impact of losing his client, noting that Braman’s spirit was motivating and genuine with everyone around him.
Braman is survived by his two daughters, Blakely and Marlowe, ages 11 and eight. He once described his seven NFL seasons, his Super Bowl victory, and his daughters as the three greatest accomplishments in his life. The linebacker leaves behind a legacy as both a devoted father and a player who overcame significant odds to reach professional football’s highest level.
The 6-foot-5, 230-pound player began his professional career as an undrafted free agent with the Texans in 2011 after playing college football at Idaho, Long Beach City College, and West Texas A&M. He quickly established himself as a special teams standout, becoming known for his fearless play and punt-blocking ability. During his rookie season, Braman earned admiration from fans when he tracked down and tackled Tennessee’s Marc Mariani after losing his helmet earlier in the play.
After three seasons in Houston, Braman joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014. He spent four seasons with the franchise, including a brief stint on the New Orleans Saints practice squad. His most memorable moment came during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run in the 2017 season, when he demonstrated resilience after making a costly mistake in the divisional round against the Atlanta Falcons.
During the second quarter of that playoff game, Braman dove to touch a live punted ball, giving Atlanta a short field that led to their only touchdown. However, he quickly redeemed himself on the very next Falcons punt by surging through the line and tipping the ball, forcing a 22-yard shank. Although initially flagged for running into the kicker, Braman immediately informed officials he had contacted the ball, and replay confirmed his claim, wiping out the penalty.
The Eagles converted the resulting short field into a 53-yard field goal by Jake Elliott, trimming the deficit to 10-9 before halftime and shifting momentum in a game they would win 15-10. Braman later reflected on the play, indicating he had to let the mistake go and focus on doing his job, understanding that letting it affect him would lead to reaching and potentially causing other problems.
Braman’s final NFL game was the Eagles’ 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII on February 4, 2018. He recorded one tackle in the championship game, helping Philadelphia secure its first NFL title since the 1960 season. The victory marked the culmination of an unlikely journey from undrafted free agent to world champion.
Throughout his career, Braman appeared in 97 regular season games, recording 56 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries. In 2012, he was named a Pro Bowl special teams alternate while playing for the Texans. His career statistics reflect his primary role as a special teams contributor rather than a traditional linebacker.
After his cancer diagnosis, a GoFundMe page was established to help with his medical expenses, ultimately raising more than $88,000. Former teammates contributed to the fundraising effort, with retired Texans defensive end J.J. Watt donating $10,000. Watt later paid tribute on social media, writing: “Rest in Peace brother. Gone far too soon.”
Braman underwent multiple surgical procedures at a facility in Seattle as part of his treatment plan. He received CAR T-cell therapy, which involves genetically engineering a patient’s own T cells to attack cancer cells. While the treatment initially showed promise and the mass began to shrink, the cancer eventually fought back and began growing around his vital organs despite chemotherapy treatments.
The Eagles organization released a statement honoring their former player, describing him as a loyal teammate, community supporter, and valuable member of their Super Bowl LII-winning team. The statement emphasized that Braman was more importantly a devoted father who passionately loved his family and everyone around him. The Texans also expressed their condolences, stating they were deeply saddened by the news.
Former Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho shared his grief on social media, describing Braman as someone who lived a hard life without complaining and calling him a champion in life and warrior in death. Eagles lineman Lane Johnson characterized the news as hitting close to home, expressing admiration for Braman’s ability to overcome life’s obstacles, his passion for the game, and his love for friends and family.
