The B.C. Lions are mourning the loss of former linebacker O.J. Brigance, who passed away from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on Monday. He was 56 years old.
Briance attended Willowridge High School near Houston, Texas. He joined Rice University in 1987. He played three seasons for the Owls, where he was named Second Team All-SWAC in 1989 and First Team All-SWAC in 1990, and set the school record with 367 tackles.
After going undrafted in the 1991 NFL Draft, Briance signed with the B.C. Lions. He played three seasons in B.C. with 225 tackles, 40 tackles on special teams, 22 sacks, four fumble recoveries, one interception, and five kick returns for 40 yards in 54 games.
In 1994, he joined the Baltimore CFL’s/Stallions with 97 tackles, 19 tackles on special teams, five fumble recoveries, and 13 sacks in 36 games. Brigance was named the Tom Pate Memorial Award in 1994 for outstanding sportsmanship and for being someone who has made a significant contribution to his team, his community, and Association.
In 1995, he was named a CFL All-Star after finishing the season with 59 tackles, three fumble recoveries, and seven sacks, helping the Stallions beat the Calgary Stampeders in the 83rd Grey Cup.
Then, Briance left for the NFL in 1996. He played four seasons for the Miami Dolphins with nine tackles (7 solos, 2 assists), two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 60 games. He was named a two-time captain and was honored by the NFL Players Association with its “Unsung Hero Award” in 1999.
In 2000, he returned to Baltimore, this time with the Ravens, where he made 12 tackles (10 solos, 2 assists), one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 16 games. The Ravens went on to beat the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. Briance is one of 13 players to win both a Grey Cup and a Super Bowl title, while being the only player to win both titles in the same city.
He spent his final seasons with the St. Louis Rams and the New England Patriots with 21 tackles (16 solos, 5 assists) in 22 games. He retired from the NFL after the 2002 season. After his playing career ended, Briance was the director of player development for the Ravens from 2004 until his passing.
All of us here at BGMSportsTrax send our condolences to Brigance’s family, teammates, and fans.
