Bryan Braman

Bryan Allan Braman ('; May 4, 1987 – July 17, 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 and family

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 attended Shadle Park High School, where he initially ran track before deciding to join the football team.

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.

College career

Braman accepted an offer to play football at the University of Idaho, but quickly failed out. He would later recall that he had suffered depression while at Idaho. He stayed in the state of Idaho for some time, working as a concrete layer for a railroad tie company, earning slightly more than minimum wage, homeless, and spending some of his nights sleeping beside his pet dog on park benches.

Braman attended Long Beach City College (a two year community college) and played with its football team the following year.

Due to Braman having taken a year off from NCAA football after departing Idaho State, and limitations on his eligibility to play, Braman only received offers from Division II programs. He accepted an offer from West Texas A&M over offers from Central Washington and Midwestern State. Braman played strongly during his senior career, during which the team won the 2009 Lone Star Conference South Championship. Braman only played five games of his senior season, as he was suspended after being charged for psilocybin that had been found by police in a house to which he was connected. While Braman has said that he was living elsewhere at the time, his name was listed on the rental agreement, and he plead guilty in June 2011, being sentenced sentenced to one year of deferred adjudication and payment of a $2,000 fine. However, thirty days after sentencing, the prosecutor terminated his prohibition and dismissed his case.

Professional career

Braman went undrafted in the 2011 NFL draft, but entered the NFL the following season with the Houston Texans, being signed as a rookie free agent.

Houston Texans

Braman became a fan favorite on the Texans' special teams unit during the 2011 season. In the season finale against the Tennessee Titans, he tackled punt returner Marc Mariani head-to-head without a helmet on. 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)

On March 12, 2014, Braman signed a two-year, $3.15 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

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 on July 17, 2025, at the age of 38. He is survived by two daughters.

References

External links

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West Texas A&M Buffaloes bio

{{DEFAULTSORT:Braman, Bryan
1987 births
2025 deaths
Deaths from cancer in Washington (state)
American football linebackers
Houston Texans players
21st-century American sportsmen
Idaho Vandals football players
Long Beach City Vikings football players
New Orleans Saints players
Philadelphia Eagles players
Players of American football from Spokane, Washington
West Texas A&M Buffaloes football players