O. J. Brigance facts for kids
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Brigance in 2023
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| No. 58, 57, 59 | |||||
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| Position: | Linebacker | ||||
| Personal information | |||||
| Born: | September 29, 1969 Houston, Texas, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | ||||
| Weight: | 236 lb (107 kg) | ||||
| Career information | |||||
| High school: | Willowridge (Houston, Texas) | ||||
| College: | Rice | ||||
| Undrafted: | 1991 | ||||
| Career history | |||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||
Orenthial James Brigance (born September 29, 1969) is a former American football player. He played as a linebacker in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL). Today, he works as a senior advisor for the Baltimore Ravens team.
Contents
O. J. Brigance's Football Journey
O. J. Brigance was born in Houston, Texas. He played college football at Rice University for three years. He studied managerial studies and graduated in 1992.
Starting in the CFL
O. J. Brigance started his professional football career in 1991. He played as a linebacker for the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played three seasons and 54 games with the Lions. In 1993, he had a great season, making 20 sacks. A sack is when a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. He was named a CFL West All-Star that year.
After that, Brigance played for the Baltimore Stallions for two seasons. In 1995, he became a CFL All-Star again. He helped his team win the Grey Cup, which is the championship trophy for the CFL.
Moving to the NFL
In 1996, Brigance joined the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Dolphins for four seasons. His teammates chose him as a team captain twice. In 1999, he received the Ed Block Courage Award. This award honors players who show courage and dedication. He also won the NFL Player Association's "Unsung Hero Award" that same year.
The next year, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens. Brigance was a very important player for the Ravens. He helped them win Super Bowl XXXV. He was especially good at special teams tackles. He made the first tackle of Super Bowl XXXV. After the Ravens, he played for the St. Louis Rams in 2001 and 2002. He played one final game with the New England Patriots before retiring.
O. J. Brigance is one of the few players to win both a CFL championship (the Grey Cup) and an NFL championship (the Super Bowl). He is also the only player to win both championships for the same city, Baltimore.
Community Work and Current Role
While playing for the Miami Dolphins, Brigance was involved in many community groups. He worked with Habitat for Humanity, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Daily Food Bank.
Today, he is the director of player development for the Baltimore Ravens. He was also part of the Ravens team that won Super Bowl XLVII in 2013.
O. J. Brigance's Personal Life
In May 2007, O. J. Brigance was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This disease is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Brigance created the Brigance Brigade Foundation to help with ALS research. For his work in raising awareness and supporting ALS research, he received the 2016 NCAA Inspiration Award. He shared this award with Lauren Hill, a basketball player who battled cancer.
Brigance is a Christian.
See also
In Spanish: O. J. Brigance para niños
