J.J. Watt, Philly community help surpass fundraising goal for Eagles SB champion with rare form of cancer

Ryan OLeary

J.J. Watt, Philly community help surpass fundraising goal for Eagles SB champion with rare form of cancer image

Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Former NFL player Bryan Braman, a linebacker who played multiple seasons for both the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles, culminating with Philly’s Super Bowl LII championship team, is battling an extremely rare form of cancer that has touched the football community and former teammates alike.

Per a GoFundMe page detailing Braman's diagnoses, the 38-year-old “is home with his family after undergoing a Car-t cell reprogramming treatment program in Seattle.” The fundraiser had a goal of raising $25,000 to help with medical and diet expenses.

As of the Fourth of July, more than $39,500 had been raised, and the general public can aid the cause here.

Retired NFL superstar J.J. Watt, a former teammate of Braman with the Texans, donated $10,000 to the cause. Brent Celek and Rasul Douglas are among Braman’s many former Eagles teammates who have donated, giving $1,000 each.

After three seasons with the Eagles from 2014-16, Braman joined the New Orleans Saints during the 2017 preseason but was released on roster cut-down day. He wound up re-signing with Philadelphia that December, after the Eagles placed quarterback Carson Wentz on season-ending injured reserve.

Philly then wound up going on a magical run to the Super Bowl LII title behind backup QB Nick Foles. Braman was a core special teamer in the playoffs, logging 56 total snaps, including 24 in the SB win over the New England Patriots.

Ryan OLeary

Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.