O.J. Brigance

O.J. Brigance, a former Ravens and Baltimore Stallions (CFL) LB, is in his sixth year as the Ravens’ director of player development.

Brigance, who has two championship rings: a Super Bowl ring with the Ravens in 2000 and a CFL Grey Cup ring with the Stallions (1995), was an inspiration to the entire Ravens team in 2008 for his perseverance and courage in fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

He addressed the team a number of times in 2008, and the players responded with inspired play. The NFL has honored Brigance many times, earning the Best Overall Player Development Program award for two straight years (2005-06) and also receiving the Most Outstanding Internship Program Award in 2005. In 2007, the NFL once again honored Brigance’s program, this time with the Outstanding Continuing Education Program Award. In 2008, the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation also honored O.J. with its Johnny Unitas Tops in Courage Award for his strength in his battle against ALS. Brigance has placed a number of Ravens players in the NFL’s Business Management and Entrepreneurial Program, including C/G Chris Chester (Wharton School of Business) and K Steve Hauschka (Harvard Business School) in 2009. Brigance played seven years for three NFL teams (Miami, Baltimore and St. Louis) before joining the Ravens’ front office in 2004.

2004-09: (with Baltimore) Oversees all player development programs and works closely with Ravens players, assisting with each phase of their careers...Has made significant contributions to the Ravens’ player development program, including organizing a number of player internships in high school football programs, financial institutions and real estate groups...The life skills programs O.J. has provided to the players each year have been highly effective...Brigance’s wife, Chanda, facilitates Lady Ravens, coordinating involvement for the players’ and coaches’ spouses and significant others...Each year, the group is active with the Ravens’ Family Food Drive, along with other charity work and team-building activities...Brigance also earned a 2008 Emmy Award as the host of the team’s weekly TV show, Ravens Report.

2008: After being diagnosed with ALS in 2007, Brigance has chosen to make the most of the opportunity by partnering with the Johns Hopkins University Packard Center for ALS Research and becoming their ALS ambassador...O.J. was the honorary chair of the ’08 and ’09 Fiesta 5K run, which has raised over $350,000 in two years, and in 2008, drew the entire Ravens’ team to run in the race to support him...He also established his own foundation, the Brigance Brigade Fund (brigancebrigade.org), which raises awareness and money for ALS research and patient services.

2005: Lady Ravens participated in the team’s Hurricane Katrina relief collection…Chanda has also organized seminars for the group on benefits, financial education and empowerment.

NFL/Pro Player: 2001-02: (with St. Louis) Brigance retired from the NFL after a two-year stint with the Rams.

2000: (with Baltimore) Significant special teams contributor on the Ravens’ Super Bowl championship squad...Was second on team with 25 special teams tackles and led Ravens with 10 STs stops in the postseason, including the very first special teams tackle in Super Bowl XXXV.

1996-99: (with Miami) Entered the NFL with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent...Was voted team captain twice in four seasons...His Dolphins teammates also selected him as the Ed Block Courage Award recipient in 1999...Brigance was involved in a number of different community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Daily Food Bank.

1999: Honored with the NFLPA’s Unsung Hero Award.

1994-95: (with Baltimore Stallions) Helped the  CFL team earn a Grey Cup Championship in 1995.

1991-93: (with British Columbia Lions) Brigance’s football career began in the CFL with the British Columbia Lions...Spent three seasons with the Lions (1991-93) and was named an All-Conference LB.

College: Graduated from Rice with a degree in managerial studies in 1992...Four-year letterman and three-year starter at LB.

Personal: Brigance, who served on the board  of directors for Aunt Hattie’s Place, a home for young men, received the NFL’s Winston/ Shell Award in 2005, given annually to the player development director who demonstrates commitment and dedication in developing unique and innovative ideas and solutions to advance the mission of player development.