Bryan Braman dies at 38: NFL world mourns passing of former linebacker after battle with rare form of cancer

Gilbert McGregor

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Bryan Braman dies at 38: NFL world mourns passing of former linebacker after battle with rare form of cancer image

Bryan Braman, a former Texans and Eagles linebacker, has died at the age of 38, his agent announced on Thursday, July 17.

Braman was a retired seven-year NFL veteran who began his career with the Texans in 2011 before joining the Eagles in 2014. He briefly left Philadelphia to join the Saints in 2017 but was released before playing in a game. He later returned to the Eagles and played a role in their run to win Super Bowl 52, his final NFL game.

Here is what to know about Braman's death.

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Bryan Braman dies at 38

Agent Sean Stellato confirmed Braman's death on Thursday, July 17. He is survived by two daughters, aged 11 and 8.

Braman died after seeking treatment for "a rare, aggressive form of cancer," according to Stellato. Braman was diagnosed with cancer in February, and a GoFundMe was set up to help him with medical expenses.

Braman had been undergoing cancer treatment in Seattle, according to his GoFundMe.

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Bryan Braman type of cancer

The specific type of cancer that Braman died from is unknown. No details were disclosed outside of its rarity, aggressiveness, and the treatment Braman received.

Within the final update on Braman's GoFundMe, it was revealed that he underwent a CAR-T cell reprogramming treatment, which reprograms cells to fight the cancer within Braman.

The June 20 update said Braman had a "VERY rare form of cancer," adding that a "mass did start to shrink, but then the cancer started fighting back." Braman underwent several surgical procedures, but had a difficult time recovering because of a lowered immune system due to his treatments.

Once Braman recovered to continue with chemotherapy, the cancer had grown around his vital organs, limiting chemotherapy options moving forward.

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Bryan Braman GoFundMe

On Feb. 15, 2025, William Jones organized a "Donate to Bryan Braman's Healing Journey" GoFundMe on behalf of Braman and his family.

The GoFundMe was established as Braman entered a 12-week treatment program in Seattle to fight life-threatening cancer. The treatment program required a 24-hour caregiver, but Braman's insurance did not pay for housing, and he began to pay out of pocket for treatment and lodging.

The initial goal of the GoFundMe was to "raise $15,000 to pay for housing for [Braman], his caregiver, and his uncle as they all live together." The goal was later increased to $25,000, and the fundraiser had reached $88,000 on the day of Braman's death, including a $10,000 donation from his former Texans teammate, JJ Watt.

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Bryan Braman tributes

Braman's impact on the NFL world cannot be understated, as tributes honoring his life came from throughout the football world.

The Eagles issued a statement on Braman's death, which reads:

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bryan Braman. During his four seasons in Philadelphia, Bryan was a loyal teammate, a supporter of the community, and a valuable member of our Super Bowl LII-winning team. More importantly, he was a devoted father who passiontately loved his family and everyone around him. We estend our deepest condolences to Bryan's family and all who are grieving his loss during this difficult time.

Watt and various media outlets took to social media to share their condolences.

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.