Former NFL Star Battling Rare Form of Cancer, Launches GoFundMe for Help

Former NFL linebacker and special teams star Bryan Braman is exploring treatment options as he battles a rare form of cancer.

Braman, 38, faces an “extremely serious” medical condition, according to his longtime agent Sean Stellato. 

Stellato told Houston’s KPRC 2 that Braman has been diagnosed with a “rare, aggressive and recurring form of cancer,” though he did not specify exactly what kind. 

Braman has undergone multiple surgeries and is currently in Seattle with his family. He was diagnosed with cancer in February. 

“He is a pillar and a staple of the underdog,” Stellato told KPRC. “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, who I have always considered family. He’s in the fight of his life. Please support Bryan and keep him in your prayers.”

Braman’s friend William Jones has launched a GoFundMe fundraising page in the former football star’s honor. 

“Bryan is home with his family after undergoing a Car-t cell reprogramming treatment program in Seattle,” Jones wrote. “With the cancer that Bryan has, which is a VERY rare form of cancer, the Car-t treatment had the highest chance of success as the cells are reprogrammed to fight this cancer that is within Bryan. His cells did re-infuse themselves, and did in fact start reproducing within his bone marrow.”

He continued, “At first the mass did start to shrink, but then the cancer started fighting back. At this point Bryan has had to start having chemo treatments that are designed for the treatment program Bryan is in.”

Jones explained that Braman’s opportunities for chemotherapy treatment are “very limited” due to his lowered immunity. 

“They have tried all of the various treatment options, and unfortunately, none of them are working against this cancer,” the fundraising page reads. “But Bryan has not given up. He is looking into other trial treatment programs, and is determined to never give up.”

The donations will help Braman fund the “necessities for his diet” and to “help cover some of the treatment costs that are not covered by insurances.”

At press time, the GoFundMe had raised over $83,000, including a $10,000 donation from Braman’s former Houston Texans teammate J.J. Watt. 

Braman played seven seasons in the NFL from 2011 to 2017, winning the Super Bowl in 2018 as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles after joining the team for the playoffs. He recorded a blocked punt in the team’s Divisional Round game against the Atlanta Falcons. 

The Super Bowl LII victory over the New England Patriots, in which he recorded a tackle, was Braman’s final NFL game.