Bryan Braman

Bryan Allan Braman ( ; May 4, 1987 – July 16, 2025) was an American professional football player who was a linebacker for seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Idaho Vandals, Long Beach City College (LBCC), and West Texas A&M Buffaloes before being signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2011. Braman was also a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints. Braman won Super Bowl LII with the Eagles in 2018.

Early life Braman was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. He was born in the Hillyard neighborhood, which was one of the city's most impoverished neighborhoods, and often moved around with his mother and younger sister. He and his sister were raised alone by his mother, Tina Braman-Fields, after his father abandoned them. His family spent significant portions of his childhood and teen years homeless.

Braman was known for his large size and athletic build. While still in high school he was already and . During his later professional career he was and the same height. Size and athleticism ran in his family, with his maternal grandfather Ivan Cecil Braman having weighed and stood . His mother had been a sprinting star while in high school.

Braman went undrafted in the 2011 NFL draft, but entered the NFL the following season with the Houston Texans, In 2012, Braman was a Pro Bowl alternate.

Braman also blocked multiple punts on special teams, including one for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts.

Philadelphia Eagles (first stint) After the 2013 season, Braman left the Texans and joined the Philadelphia Eagles. Though he initially signed a two-year, $3.15 million contract on March 12, 2014, he ended up playing with the Eagles for the next three seasons, mostly on special teams.

New Orleans Saints On August 23, 2017, Braman signed with the New Orleans Saints. He was placed on injured reserve 10 days later and was released on September 9.

Philadelphia Eagles (second stint) On December 12, 2017, Braman re-signed with the Eagles. In the Divisional Round against the Atlanta Falcons, Braman blocked a punt from Falcons punter Matt Bosher in the 15–10 victory. The Eagles reached Super Bowl LII, where they defeated the New England Patriots 41–33 with Braman recording one tackle.

Illness and death On July 3, 2025, it was publicly reported that Braman was battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer, and a GoFundMe campaign was launched with a goal of $25,000 to assist with medical expenses. The fundraiser ultimately raised over $88,000, including a $10,000 donation from his former teammate J. J. Watt.

Braman died from his cancer at a hospital in Spokane, Washington, on July 16, 2025, at the age of 38. He is survived by two daughters.