Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; Former Baltimore Ravens player O.J. Brigance enters the field before the start of the AFC championship game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - O.J. Brigance is going back to the Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens as a model of toughness and perseverance.
On Sunday, confined to a wheelchair as he battles Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, the former Baltimore linebacker presented the Lamar Hunt trophy to the team after it beat the New England Patriots 28-13 for the AFC championship on Sunday.
Using a communication device that translates his thoughts, Brigance, now a senior advisor to player development for the Ravens, had this to say:
"Congratulations to the Baltimore Ravens. Your resiliency has outlasted your adversity. You are the AFC champions. You are my mighty men. With God, all things are possible."
In 2007, Brigance was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. In his current position, he helps the athletes in all phases of their careers.
He was part of the Ravens team that won the Super Bowl in the 2000 season, starring on special teams.
Now he inspires them.
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