_(cropped).jpg) Brigance in 2023 | |||||||
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| Position: | Linebacker | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born: | (1969-09-29)September 29, 1969 (age 55) Houston, Texas, U.S. | ||||||
| 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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Orenthial James Brigance (born September 29, 1969) is an American former professionalfootballlinebacker who played in theCanadian Football League (CFL) and theNational Football League (NFL). He is the senior advisor to player development for theBaltimore Ravens.
Brigance was born in Houston and playedcollege football atRice University, where he was a three-year starter. He graduated from Rice with a degree in managerial studies in 1992.[1]
Beginning his pro career as alinebacker in theCFL with theBC Lions in 1991, Brigance played three seasons and 54 games. His best season came in 1993, when he recorded 20 sacks and was a CFL West All-Star.[2] Brigance then played for theBaltimore Stallions for two seasons, becoming a CFL All-Star in 1995, recording seven sacks and helping his team win theGrey Cup.[2]
In 1996, Brigance was signed by theMiami Dolphins as a free agent. He was twice voted a team captain during his four seasons there and his teammates named himEd Block Courage Award recipient in 1999. In addition, he was honored with the NFL Player Association's "Unsung Hero Award" that same season.
The next year, he was signed by theBaltimore Ravens. Brigance was a key contributor to the Ravens' championship-winning team as he finished second on the team with 25 special teams tackles and led the team with 10 special teams tackles in the post-season (including the first tackle ofSuper Bowl XXXV). He played forSt. Louis Rams in 2001 and 2002, and a final game with theNew England Patriots before retiring.
He is one of several players to have won both aCFL andNFL championship, and the only player in the history of both leagues to win those championships for the same city.
During his time as a Dolphin, Brigance was involved in a number of different community organizations, includingHabitat for Humanity,Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Daily Food Bank.[3]
He is currently the director of player development for the Ravens and was a member of the 2013 team that wonSuper Bowl XLVII.[4]
In May 2007,[5] Brigance was diagnosed withamyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), amotor neuron disease that is eventually fatal.[6] He has created a foundation to assist ALS research called the Brigance Brigade Foundation.[7] For his ALS activism, Brigance was one of two recipients of the 2016NCAA Inspiration Award, sharing honors with lateMount St. Joseph University basketball player and pediatric cancer victimLauren Hill.[8]