Bryan Braman, the former NFL linebacker known for his fearless style of play and deep dedication to his sport and teammates, passed away on Thursday at the age of only 38. It comes after the football player fought a brave battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Diagnosed back in February, Braman underwent multiple surgeries in Seattle as he fought to recover. According to a GoFundMe set up by loved ones, his condition worsened when his immune system couldn’t bounce back fast enough between treatments, allowing the cancer to spread rapidly. As of Thursday morning, the fundraiser had drawn more than 900 donations and raised over $88,000 (Picture: Getty Images)

Braman played six seasons in the NFL after going undrafted out of West Texas A&M, splitting his career between playing for the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles. He was best known for his relentless energy, where he became something of a fan favourite for his all-out aggression and enthusiasm. Braman made 56 career tackles and left his mark with explosive, highlight-worthy plays. His final game came in February 2018, when he helped the Eagles stun the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, sealing the win with a game-ending tackle (Picture: Getty Images)

Born and raised in Spokane, Washington, Braman took an unconventional path to the NFL. He began his college career at Long Beach City College before transferring to West Texas A&M, where his dominant defensive performances drew the attention of pro scouts. He joined the Texans in 2011 and quickly became known for his wild hair, big hits and signature engine. One of his most iconic moments came in his rookie season, when he made a helmet-less tackle on a punt return that became something of a viral clip online (Picture: Getty Images)

Though he rarely sought the spotlight, Braman left a lasting impression on teammates and coaches alike. Lane Johnson, one of his Eagles teammates, wrote: ‘I always admired Bryan’s ability to overcome life’s obstacles, his passion for the game, and the love he had for his friends and family… Rest in peace, Brother.’ Fellow former Eagle Emmanuel Acho echoed that sentiment, calling Braman ‘a champion in life and a warrior in death’ in a tribute that captured the impact Braman had beyond the field (Picture: Getty Images)

JJ Watt, who shared the field with Braman in Houston, also paid tribute, saying simply: ‘Rest in Peace brother. Gone far too soon.’ Braman’s commitment to the game and the people around him was consistently praised throughout his career. While he never chased stats or headlines, his work on special teams and in the locker room made him an integral figure in every team he joined. He earned a reputation as a selfless player who never hesitated to put his body - or indeed head - on the line (Picture: Getty Images)

Off the field, Braman was a father to two daughters, Blakely, 11 and Marlowe, 8. He spent his final months undergoing intensive treatments while surrounded by his loving family, friends and supporters (Picture: Getty Images)

Braman’s NFL career may not have come with big headlines or flashy stats, but he earned respect through effort, consistency and toughness. From a small-school prospect to a Super Bowl champion, he carved out a place in the league through sheer drive and determination(Picture: Getty Images)

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