O.J. Brigance

O.J. Brigance, a former Ravens and Baltimore Stallions (CFL) LB, is the Ravens’ senior advisor to 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) – has been an inspiration to the entire Ravens organization for his perseverance and courage while fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) the past three-plus years. 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 saluted O.J. with its Johnny Unitas Tops in Courage Award for his strength in his battle against ALS. Brigance played seven years for three NFL teams (Miami, Baltimore and St. Louis) before joining the Ravens’ front office in 2004.

2004-11: (with Baltimore) Works closely with director of player development Harry Swayne to assist all Ravens players 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, has been very active with the organization, having spent a number of years as the Lady Ravens group facilitator...She coordinated the involvement of the players’ and coaches’ spouses and significant others with team-related events, including the Ravens’ Family Food Drive and other charity functions and team-building activities.

2008: Brigance earned an Emmy Award as the host of the team’s weekly TV show, Ravens Report.

2007: After being diagnosed with ALS, 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. has been the honorary chair of the Fiesta 5K run four times (2008-11), and it has raised over $800,000 in those four years...The organization has supported O.J. and the event each year, drawing the entire Ravens team in 2008 to run in the race...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 professional 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, PERSONAL
Graduated from Rice with a degree in managerial studies in 1992...Four year letterman and three-year starter at LB...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.

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