Bryan Braman death: NFL Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl winner dies aged 38 after devastating cancer battle

The American sporting world is in mourning after the death of Super Bowl-winning linebacker Bryan Braman, 38, following a devastating cancer battle.

Doctors diagnosed Braman with cancer in February this year and Braman’s manager, Sean Stellato, confirmed the much-loved former pro athlete’s death to CNN, saying he had a “very rare form of cancer.”

“Bryan Braman was a warrior in every sense – on the field and in life – facing every battle with unshakeable grit and heart,” Mr Stellato said.

“His passing leaves a void not just in football, but in the spirit of every underdog who ever dared to fight.”

Braman spent seven years playing in the top flight in the NFL with two teams, the Houston Texans (three years) and the Philadelphia Eagles, where he finished his career after four seasons, reaching the pinnacle of the sport, defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.

Soon after his diagnosis, a GoFundMe page was created to help raise funds for Braman’s treatment, but also to provide updates on his health battle.

In June, the update said he had undergone multiple procedures at a hospital in Seattle but had been unable to fully recover due to his lowered immunity.

The most recent update said that Braman had returned home after undergoing CAR T-cell reprogramming treatment, which involves genetically engineering a patient’s own T cells – part of the body’s immune system – to attack cancer cells.

Unfortunately, the cancer had “started fighting back”, and further chemo treatments proved to be in vain.

The Philadelphia Eagles organisation released a heartfelt statement speaking of Braman’s love for his family, including his three daughters.

“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,” the Eagles statement said.

“More importantly, he was a devoted father who passionately loved his family and everyone around him. We extend our deepest condolences to Bryan’s family and all who are grieving his loss during this difficult time.”

The Houston Texans, where Braman became a fan favourite, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bryan Braman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Braman family during this difficult time.”

An undrafted free agent out of West Texas A&M, Braman played seven seasons in the NFL, from 2011 to 2017. He won a Super Bowl with the Eagles after joining the team for the playoffs, blocking a punt in the divisional round. The Super Bowl LII victory was Braman’s final NFL game.

“You look at his journey and beating the odds to make it to the NFL after going undrafted,” Mr Stellato said.

“Not only making it, but producing and becoming a world champion, he had a real hard journey. In life, we all run this race. To die at age 38, the game of football and his family are hurting today. He was a staple for what football and underdogs are about.”