The NFL community is mourning the loss of Bryan Braman, a former Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans linebacker who passed away on July 17, 2025, at the age of 38.
Braman died after a brave battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer that he had been fighting since February 2025. His agent, Sean Stellato, confirmed the news to ESPN on Thursday.
The former special teams ace leaves behind two daughters, ages 11 and 8, and a legacy of determination, resilience, and unforgettable moments on the football field.
A Fighter Until the End
Braman’s cancer diagnosis came in February 2025, when he was diagnosed with what his agent described as a “very rare” and aggressive form of the disease.
He underwent extensive treatment in Seattle, including:
- Multiple surgeries throughout his treatment
- CAR-T cell reprogramming therapy, which involves genetically modifying white blood cells
- Various chemotherapy treatments designed for his specific cancer type
- Participation in specialized treatment programs in Washington
Despite the aggressive nature of his cancer, which eventually spread to his vital organs, Braman never gave up hope. His agent Sean Stellato described him as being “in the fight of his life” and embodying “strength, resilience and leadership” throughout his battle.
Community Support Through GoFundMe
The NFL community rallied around Braman during his illness. A GoFundMe campaign titled “Donate to Bryan Braman’s Healing Journey” was established to help with his medical expenses.
The fundraiser exceeded its initial $25,000 goal, raising over $88,000. Notable contributions included:
- $10,000 from former Texans teammate J.J. Watt
- $2,500 from Duane Brown
- $1,000 from Brian Cushing
- $1,000 from former Eagles teammates Rasul Douglas, Brent Celek, and Emmanuel Acho
The overwhelming support demonstrated the impact Braman had on his teammates and the broader NFL community throughout his career.
NFL Career Highlights
Bryan Allan Braman was born on May 4, 1987, in Spokane, Washington. Despite facing homelessness during parts of his high school years, he persevered to build a seven-year NFL career.
His professional journey included:
Houston Texans (2011-2013)
- Signed as an undrafted free agent out of West Texas A&M in 2011
- Became a special teams standout and fan favorite
- Made the famous helmetless tackle against Tennessee Titans’ Marc Mariani in 2011
- Named Pro Bowl alternate in 2012
- Blocked two punts, including one returned for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts
Philadelphia Eagles (2014-2017)
- Signed a two-year, $3.15 million contract in March 2014
- Played 51 games over three and a half seasons
- Rejoined the team before the 2017 playoffs after a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints
- Blocked a crucial punt in the divisional round playoff victory against the Atlanta Falcons
- Won Super Bowl LII as the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33
Career statistics: 97 games played, 56 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and countless special teams contributions that don’t show up in the stat sheet.
Memorable Moments
Braman’s fearless playing style created several unforgettable moments that endeared him to fans:
The Helmetless Tackle (2011): In his rookie season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Braman’s helmet came off during punt coverage. Instead of stopping, he continued downfield and made a head-to-head tackle on punt returner Marc Mariani, using his bare head to make the hit.
Punt Block for Touchdown (2012): Against the Indianapolis Colts, Braman blocked a punt and recovered it himself for a touchdown, showcasing his complete special teams dominance.
Playoff Punt Block (2017): In the NFC Divisional Round against the Atlanta Falcons, Braman partially blocked a Matt Bosher punt that helped swing momentum in the Eagles’ favor during their Super Bowl run.
From Undrafted to Underdog Hero
Braman’s journey to the NFL was marked by adversity. Growing up in poverty in Spokane, Washington, he and his mother often moved between low-income housing.
Despite these challenges, he excelled in football at Shadle Park High School and eventually found his way to West Texas A&M after stops at Idaho and Long Beach City College.
His story resonated with Eagles fans during their 2017 “underdog” championship run. As his agent noted, Braman was “a pillar and a staple of the underdog.”
Legacy and Impact
Bryan Braman’s impact extended far beyond statistics. His “kill, maim, destroy” mentality on special teams, as he described it during his Eagles introductory press conference, epitomized his approach to the game.
Former teammates and coaches consistently praised his:
- Fearless playing style and willingness to sacrifice his body
- Leadership in the locker room and on special teams units
- Ability to change field position with game-changing plays
- Inspiration to younger players through his underdog story
His mother, who moved to Houston to support him during his NFL career, once reflected on watching him sign autographs for kids: “Knowing his dedication and his never-give-up attitude is something those kids, kids who could be worse off than we were, could look up to and learn from.”
Final Thoughts
Bryan Braman’s passing at 38 is a tremendous loss to the NFL community. His journey from homelessness to Super Bowl champion inspired countless fans and players.
While his career may not have garnered Pro Bowl selections or All-Pro honors, his impact was felt in every phase of special teams play and in the hearts of those who watched him compete with unmatched intensity.
As the Eagles and Texans organizations mourn his loss, Braman will be remembered not just for his fearless tackles and blocked punts, but for his resilience in the face of adversity – both on and off the field.
His final battle with cancer showed the same courage and determination that defined his playing career. Bryan Braman truly embodied what it meant to never give up, right until the very end.
Rest in peace, Bryan Braman (1987-2025). Your legacy of determination and fearlessness will never be forgotten.
