Super Bowl Champ Bryan Braman Dies at 38 After Rare Cancer Battle

New York: Bryan Braman, a Super Bowl-winning linebacker who once made headlines for tackling opponents without a helmet, passed away on July 17, 2025, at just 38 years old. His death followed a battle with a rare and aggressive cancer diagnosed earlier this year. Despite undergoing cutting-edge CAR-T cell therapy and multiple surgeries in Seattle, the disease spread rapidly, ultimately claiming his life.

The news has left the NFL community in shock. Braman wasn’t just known for his wild hair, fearless hits, or special teams heroics—he was beloved for his heart. The GoFundMe set up to help with medical costs raised over $88,000, with support pouring in from fans and former teammates alike, including a $10,000 donation from J.J. Watt.

But this isn’t just a story about football. It’s about what we fight for—family, legacy, and the kind of grit that defies stats and outlasts jersey numbers. Braman leaves behind two young daughters, ages 11 and 8, and a message that hits even harder than any of his tackles: life is fragile, but impact is immortal.

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Bryan Braman’s Timeline of Tenacity

“You look at his journey and beating the odds to make it to the NFL after going undrafted… He had a real hard journey,” — Agent Sean Stellato to ESPN.

Fans React

NFL stars and fans took to social media to remember Braman not just as a player, but as a person:

Forever a Super Bowl champ.

RIP, Bryan Braman 💚#Eagles pic.twitter.com/zW7P3EyVtu

— Thomas R. Petersen (@thomasrp93) July 17, 2025

Rest in peace, Bryan Braman.

Former Texans and Eagles linebacker Bryan Braman died Thursday after seeking treatment this year for a rare, aggressive form of cancer.

He was 38. pic.twitter.com/bk9b3D5EUr

— Philadelphia Eagles Central (@pheaglescentral) July 17, 2025

bryan braman’s speech before super bowl 52 🫡 forever an eagle

rest in peace champ. pic.twitter.com/tLtrDemjvF

— ruby (@rubythevalley) July 17, 2025

I didn’t intend on crying this morning. Then I read the news on my teammate, Bryan Braman.

Love you Braman. You lived a hard life, and you never complained about it. A champion in life and a warrior in death.

It is forever, indeed. pic.twitter.com/43J9hHTEDf

— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) July 17, 2025

RIP Bryan Braman. Forever an Eagle. Forever a champion💚 pic.twitter.com/rJ6ANZPVC4

— mike. (@MK_239) July 17, 2025

What Was Bryan Braman’s Type of Cancer?

The GoFundMe update from June 2025 revealed that Braman was undergoing CAR-T cell reprogramming treatment — a revolutionary but intense form of immunotherapy. The treatment initially showed promise but was tragically outpaced by the cancer’s rapid spread around his vital organs.

Despite the aggressive care, Braman’s condition worsened quickly. The specific type of cancer was described only as “very rare and aggressive” — a term that signals limited treatment protocols and a low survival rate.

Why Braman’s Story Resonates So Deeply

Braman wasn’t your typical NFL star. He didn’t come from a top-tier college program. He wasn’t a household name. But he made fans believe in something rare—heart over hype.

His special teams plays were fearless. One viral moment involved him tackling a returner after losing his helmet, a symbol of his all-in mindset. Off the field, his devotion to his daughters, Blakely and Marlowe, grounded his identity. In his final years, he called his NFL journey and his kids “the three greatest accomplishments in my life.”

“He gave me his bed every time I came to Philly,” said his agent Stellato. “He would threaten me if I didn’t stay with him. That’s the kind of human he was.”

This isn’t just about a football player dying young. It’s about how rare it is to see someone live fully, courageously, and generously—especially when the odds never favored them to begin with.