The BC Lions organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of O.J. Brigance after a long and heroic battle with ALS.
“As great a player as O.J. Brigance was, he was an even better individual,” said his former teammate and current Lions director of community relations Jamie Taras.
“He had such a positive energy about him, no matter the day or the circumstance. O.J. was someone that everybody rallied around. He had that kind of presence about him and was a terrific teammate who was loved by everybody in the organization. Our thoughts are with his wife Chanda and their entire family at this difficult time.”
Brigance suited up as a linebacker with the Lions from 1991-93, appearing in 54 regular season games and two more in the playoffs. He earned West Division All-CFL after recording 20 sacks in 1993 before moving on to Baltimore from 1994-95.
Winner of the Tom Pate Memorial Award for community service and sportsmanship in 1994, Brigance earned All-CFL honours and a Grey Cup championship with the Stallions in 1995.
He then moved to the NFL, suiting up for the Miami Dolphins from 1996-99 and the Baltimore Ravens in 2000, where he earned the distinction of becoming the only player in pro football to win a Grey Cup and Super Bowl for the same city. Brigance wrapped up his playing career with stints in St. Louis and New England in 2001-02.
Brigance returned to the Ravens in a management role for the next several years, guiding several players on their professional paths.