The Philadelphia Eagles capped off the 2024 NFL season with the franchise's second Lombardi Trophy, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.
The Eagles won their first Super Bowl back in the 2017 NFL season, knocking off Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. During that run, former defensive end Bryan Braman may have had the best moment of his NFL career, blocking an Atlanta Falcons punt in the Divisional Round.
Now, over seven years removed from his Super Bowl win, Braman has been diagnosed with a "very rare form of cancer" at only 38 years old.
A GoFundMe fundraiser called "Donate to Bryan Braman's Healing Journey" was started in light of the diagnosis, with a goal of $25,000. At the time of this article, donations exceeded $20,000. Even his former Houston Texans teammate, J.J. Watt, pitched in $10,000.
According to his GoFundMe, Braman is back home with his family after undergoing CAR-T cell therapy in Seattle for a rare and aggressive form of cancer. While the treatment initially showed promise, the cancer has since returned and is spreading rapidly. But due to his compromised immune system and previous treatments, his chemotherapy options are now limited.
Despite this, Braman remains hopeful and is exploring potential options, including trial treatments. Recent donations have helped him afford dietary needs and treatment costs.
"I would like to take this moment to thank ALL of the donors that have come forward and donated, no matter the size," the GoFundMe read. "Every dollar came in at the exact time, to cover the next expense, as they came along."
Braman started his career with the Texans after going undrafted in 2011. He spent three seasons there before joining the Eagles for another three in 2014. After his first stint in Philadelphia, Braman joined the New Orleans Saints before being placed on injured reserve, getting released one week later.
Just before the playoffs began during the 2017 season, Braman re-joined the Eagles, and the rest is history.
