Former NFL linebacker O.J. Brigance, who won a Super Bowl title with the Baltimore Ravens, has died at the age of 56 following a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the team announced. His death was confirmed on Monday, marking the end of a career and subsequent advocacy journey that saw him become a prominent figure in the fight against the degenerative disease.

Brigance played in the NFL from 1996 to 2002, featuring for the Ravens, Miami Dolphins, St Louis Rams and New England Patriots. He was part of the Ravens' 2000 squad, appearing in 16 games as the team went on to rout the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. He was diagnosed with ALS in 2007 and remained closely associated with the Ravens organisation in the years that followed.