O.J. Brigance has led a lifelong theme of hard work, determination, and a never quit attitude. He grew up in Houston, Texas where two constants went hand in hand, football and championships. Brigance attended Rice University where his love for football and his reputation as a team player flourished. After the Four-year letterman and 3-year starter at LB graduated with a degree in managerial studies, he began his pro career in the Canadian Football with the B.C. Lions. After three years, he was recongized as a serious defensive threat with a carreer best 20 sacks to earn all-star honors. When he left the lions to join the Baltimore Stallions he took his hard work and determination with him earning all-star honor once again with 7 sacks, and the coveted Grey Cup championship. He was welcomed NFL in 1996 where he joined the Miami Dolphins. During that season he suffered a back injury so serious, the doctors told insisted it was a carreer ending injury. Brigance, tenacious and determined, worked hard and miraculously overcome his injury. He was destined to return to Baltimore 4 years later. He joined the Baltimore Ravens in their infamous 2000 season where Brigance would once again lift a championship trophy with his fellow teammates. Brigance was 2nd on team with 25 special teams tackles and led Ravens with 10 stops in the postseason. He remained in the NFL until 2002 dominating the field on special teams. Not many football player have won both a CFL and NFL championship and he is the only player to accomplish these great feats in the same city. Brigance returned to Miami where he was involmed in numerous community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Daily Food Bank. Brigance always felt it important to give back to the community and the people who cheered for him for many years and was later awarded with the NFLPA's Unsung Hero Award in 1999. His intangibles and front office talents would not go unnoticed by Baltimore Raven's General Manager, Ozzie Newsome, who hired Brigance to be the Director of Player Development. Once again O.J. Brigance would find himslef in a role helping others. O.J. works very closely with the Ravens players, assisting them in aspects of their lives on and off the field. He teaches young players and newly signed rookies how important it is to finish or continue an education, while helping veterans to prepare for a life after the NFL. He has made a priceless contribution to the Ravens’ player development program, including internships in high school football programs, financial institutions, and real estate groups. His infectious love of his jon and innate ability to get others involved brought his wife, Chanda, into the Ravens organization where she runs Lady Ravens. Chanda coordinates players’ and coaches’ spouses and significant others to participate in many Raven activies such as their Family Food Drive. In 2005, Lady Ravens participated in the team’s Hurricane Katrina relief collection and Chanda has also organized seminars for the group on benefits, financial education and empowerment. 2005 is when Brigance was recognised with his commitment and dedication as a directior with his unique and innovative ideas and solutions to benefit players and reveived the Winston/Shell Award. Recently O.J. Brigance has been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a motor neurone disease that is eventually fatal. He now fights for himself and others suffering this terminal disease by created a foundation called the Brigance Brigade. This foundation has multiple events to raise money to to fund medical research and hopefully find a cure for the terrible disease. O.J.'s lifelong dedication to others is an inspiration to the players, coaches, front office, and fans of Baltimore. He still resides with Chanda in Baltimore.