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 on September 29, 1969, is a former American football player. He was a talented linebacker in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL). Today, he works as a senior advisor for player development with the Baltimore Ravens.
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Playing Career Highlights
O. J. Brigance was born in Houston, Texas. He played college football at Rice University, where he was a starter for three years. He earned a degree in managerial studies in 1992.
Starting in the CFL
Brigance began his professional career in 1991. He played as a linebacker for the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League. He spent three seasons with the Lions, playing 54 games. His best season was in 1993, when he made 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 playing for the Lions, Brigance joined the Baltimore Stallions for two seasons. In 1995, he became a CFL All-Star. He recorded seven sacks and helped his team win the Grey Cup. The Grey Cup is the championship trophy of the CFL.
Moving to the NFL
In 1996, Brigance signed with the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League. He played four seasons with the Dolphins. 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 earned the NFL Player Association's "Unsung Hero Award" in the same season.
The next year, Brigance joined the Baltimore Ravens. He was a very important player for the Ravens' championship team. He was second on the team with 25 special teams tackles. Special teams play during kickoffs and punts. He also led the team with 10 special teams tackles in the playoffs. This included the first tackle of Super Bowl XXXV. The Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV, making Brigance a Super Bowl champion.
After his time with the Ravens, he played for the St. Louis Rams in 2001 and 2002. He also played one final game with the New England Patriots before he retired.
Unique Achievements
O. J. Brigance is one of only a few players to win championships in both the CFL and the NFL. What makes him even more special is that he is the only player in history to win both championships for the same city. He won the Grey Cup with the Baltimore Stallions and the Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens.
During his time as a Miami Dolphin, Brigance was very active in the community. He worked with groups like 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.
Personal Life and Activism
In May 2007, O. J. Brigance was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This disease is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a serious condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It causes muscles to weaken over time.
Brigance has created a foundation called the Brigance Brigade Foundation. This foundation helps support ALS research. It also provides help to families living with ALS.
For his work and activism related to ALS, Brigance received the 2016 NCAA Inspiration Award. He shared this honor with Lauren Hill, a basketball player who also inspired many people.
O. J. Brigance is a Christian.
See also
In Spanish: O. J. Brigance para niños
