REMEMBERING O.J. BRIGANCE

On 2026-09-16, Representative Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD-5) delivered a floor speech titled "REMEMBERING O.J. BRIGANCE" in the House.

REMEMBERING O.J. BRIGANCE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E939] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING O.J. BRIGANCE ______ HON. STENY H. HOYER of maryland in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, some of the most inspiring stories we encounter come from sports. Underdogs winning from behind. Teams finding unity in common purpose and setback being met with resolve. They lift us up and help us see more clearly the values that matter most in our lives. One of the most resonant and inspiring stories for Marylanders has been the journey of O.J. Brigance. O.J. was a football star. He helped lead the Baltimore Ravens to victory in the Super Bowl in 2001. Though he only spent one season in Baltimore as a player, O.J. made it his home, and after he retired, he returned to the Ravens in 2004 as Director of Player Development. That could have been the end of his story. But, in 2007 O.J. was diagnosed with A.L.S. A.L.S., of course, is a terrible, fatal disease, for which there is not yet a cure, in spite of so much noble effort by medical researchers and doctors. Only half of patients live more than three years beyond their diagnosis. Fewer than 20 percent survive beyond a decade. O.J. was among the very few who made it nineteen years. What did he do with those years? He became an advocate and a leader in the fight against A.L.S, He brought the same spark and drive from his playing career to the work of raising money for research. O.J. set an example of resolve. He showed an underdog spirit every day. He helped inspire so many to the common purpose of finding a cure. Mr. Speaker, O.J. Brigance lost his battle with A.L.S. in August. Marylanders mourn his passing, and I hope the House will join me in paying tribute to an inspiring leader, who showed us all what it means to work hard and persevere--both on and off the football field. I extend my condolences to his beloved wife Chanda and the extended Brigance family. ____________________