As the Houston Texans gear up for the crucial 2025 NFL season, there’s a heartfelt story unfolding away from the gridiron involving a former Texan stalwart. Bryan Braman, a linebacker known for his tenacity on the field, is now battling a fierce adversary off it—a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Braman, who made his mark in the NFL with the Texans and later the Philadelphia Eagles, has been thrown into an unexpected and grueling fight for his life. With a career that saw him rise from an undrafted free agent in 2011 to playing a pivotal role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl 52 triumph, Braman has always been the embodiment of resilience and determination.
In this challenging time, Braman’s former teammate and Texans legend, J.J. Watt, has stepped up to support him. Watt has made a significant contribution of $10,000 to Braman’s GoFundMe, reflecting the close bond and camaraderie that often define NFL locker rooms. This act of generosity has certainly inspired others, with Braman’s GoFundMe now standing at over $80,000, buoyed by donations from other former teammates and well-wishers alike.
Braman’s agent, Sean Stellato, aptly describes the linebacker as a symbol of grit and leadership, stating, “He is a pillar and a staple of the underdog. Now, in the face of cancer, he embodies those qualities more than ever. If there is one person that I know that can beat cancer, it is Bryan Braman.”
Braman, hailing from Spokane, Washington, is currently undergoing treatment in Seattle, surrounded by family. His career highlights include key special teams performances, such as multiple blocked punts with the Texans, making him a Pro Bowl alternate in 2012. While with the Eagles, Braman’s knack for big plays shone brightly, notably during their Super Bowl run in 2017-18, cementing his NFL legacy.
As Braman confronts this immense challenge, the sports community rallies around him, embodying the spirit of support and solidarity. Here’s hoping for his full recovery, so he can once again demonstrate the resilience that made him a standout on—and off—the field.
