Remembered by his fans as a bull-headed competitor nicknamed “The Barbarian,” Bryan Braman overcame homelessness in his youth to earn a spot in the NFL. (Image: AP)
Former NFL linebacker Bryan Braman, known for his special-teams heroics that led the Philadelphia Eagles to win Super Bowl LII, died at age 38 on Thursday after battling a very rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, according to a report in the US daily. Braman was diagnosed in February 2025 and since then was under intensive treatment in Seattle, including CAR‑T cell therapy, a cutting‑edge treatment that genetically modifies his T‑cells to attack cancer.
During the course of treatment, financial strain compounded as the NFL star’s insurance didn’t cover treatment-related housing and other costs, prompting a GoFundMe campaign by a friend with a target of $25,000. The campaign soon raised over $80,000, fueled in part by a $10,000 donation from NFL legend JJ Watt and contributions from former teammates like Duane Brown, Brent Celek, Rasul Douglas, and Najee Goode.
JJ Watt posted his condolences on X
Remembered by his fans as a bull-headed competitor nicknamed “The Barbarian,” Bryan Braman overcame homelessness in his youth to earn a spot in the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2011, stints with the Houston Texans and Eagles, and ultimately a Super Bowl ring in 2018.
His agent, Sean Stellato, posted a heartfelt note on Instagram after Braman’s passing, calling him “a warrior in every sense,” and lamented.
“Bryan Braman was a pillar of Stellato Sports and a true football brother. A warrior in every sense — on the field and in life — he faced every battle with unshakable grit and heart. His passing leaves a void not only in football but in the spirit of every underdog who ever dared to fight.”
Bryan Braman’s “legacy will live on in the fight, the spirit, and the love he gave so freely”.
