BALTIMORE (AP) — Former Baltimore linebacker O.J. Brigance continues to inspire the Ravens with his toughness and leadership.
Only now, he is doing it while battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Brigance was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, in 2007. Since that time, he has been a source of motivation within the Ravens organization and a key figure in the quest to find a cure for the devastating disease.
Brigance and his wife, Chanda, formed the Brigance Brigade Foundation, which strives to improve the quality of life for those afflicted with ALS.
Although confined to a wheelchair and forced to use a communication device that translates his thoughts, the 12-year pro performs capably as senior advisor to player development for the Ravens.
