Bryan Braman, the former NFL defensive lineman who helped the Philadelphia Eagles capture their first Super Bowl title, passed away on Thursday, July 17, at the age of 38. The cause was a rare and aggressive form of cancer, a diagnosis that shocked the football world and devastated those closest to him. Yet, in his final days, Braman’s focus was not on the field or the stadium lights, but on the two young daughters who were, as his agent and longtime friend Sean Stellato describes, “his everything, his legacy.”

A Father Until the End

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Stellato recounted the deeply personal and emotional last chapter of Braman’s life. “He loved his two girls so, so much. They were everything, his legacy,” Stellato shared, his voice heavy with emotion. Braman’s daughters, ages 11 and 8, spent the last two weeks of his life by his side, providing comfort and companionship as he faced the most difficult battle of his life.

For Braman, those days were not about the pain or the prognosis, but about cherishing every moment with his children. Friends and family recall how he poured his remaining energy into making memories, sharing stories, and imparting lessons of resilience and love. It was a fitting end for a man whose life had always been defined by grit, heart, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.

The Journey of an Underdog

Braman’s journey to NFL stardom was anything but conventional. Born in Spokane, Washington, he faced adversity from a young age, including periods of homelessness. Despite these challenges, Braman’s athletic gifts and relentless work ethic propelled him to West Texas A&M, where he made a name for himself as a ferocious defender.

In 2011, Braman’s dreams came true when he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Texans. Over three seasons in Houston, he established himself as a special teams ace and a relentless pass rusher, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike for his fearlessness and intensity. But it was his move to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014 that would change the trajectory of his career—and his life.

A Super Bowl Champion’s Defining Moment

Braman played four seasons with the Eagles, contributing on defense and special teams. His hard-nosed style and larger-than-life personality made him a fan favorite and a beloved figure in the locker room. The pinnacle of his career came in February 2018, when the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII. It was a moment of triumph not just for the city of Philadelphia, but for Braman personally—a validation of years of sacrifice and perseverance.

Sean Stellato, who had a special bond with Braman as the first client he ever signed to his sports agency, was there on the field that night. “Him and I cried in each other’s arms when he won Super Bowl LII,” Stellato recalled. “I was holding his daughter in a photo, which was really cool. That’s a memory I’ll never forget.”

The Gentle Giant

Standing 6’6” and weighing 250 pounds, Braman cut an imposing figure on the field. Teammates joked that he looked like Thor and played like Tarzan. His mantra was “Kill, maim, destroy,” a reflection of his relentless approach to football. But off the field, Braman was known as a gentle giant—a man who would be the first to hold the door for a stranger or give a few dollars to someone in need.

“He’d be the first one to help someone who was struggling, because he knew what it was like,” Stellato said. Braman’s own experiences with homelessness and hardship instilled in him a deep empathy and a desire to give back. He often spoke at schools and community events, encouraging young people to persevere in the face of adversity.

The Battle Off the Field

In February, Braman was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Determined to fight, he underwent an intensive 12-week treatment regimen in Seattle, including multiple surgeries. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover his medical expenses, and the outpouring of support from former teammates, coaches, and fans was overwhelming.

Throughout his battle, Braman remained steadfastly positive, refusing to let circumstances define him. “Circumstances don’t really define a person. They reveal them,” Stellato reflected. “And I think that statement goes to really the mantra of Bryan Braman’s journey.”

Even as his health declined, Braman continued to inspire those around him with his courage and resilience. Friends say he never lost his sense of humor or his concern for others, often checking in on teammates and offering words of encouragement from his hospital bed.

A Lasting Legacy

Braman’s legacy extends far beyond the gridiron. He is remembered by many as a symbol of the underdog spirit—a player who overcame long odds to reach the pinnacle of his sport, and who never forgot where he came from. In the football community, his passing leaves a void, not only as a teammate and a competitor, but as a friend and mentor to younger players.

“He was just a real, genuine, gentle giant off the field, but an absolute, like I mentioned, Tarzan on the field,” Stellato said. “He was passionate about this game and about giving back to people.”

Braman’s daughters, who were the center of his world, will carry his memory forward. Friends and family have pledged to support them, ensuring that they grow up knowing the depth of their father’s love and the impact he had on so many lives.

Remembering Bryan Braman

As the NFL community mourns the loss of Bryan Braman, tributes have poured in from across the league. Former teammates have shared stories of his toughness, his kindness, and his infectious energy. Coaches have praised his work ethic and his leadership. Fans have posted memories of his fearless play and his larger-than-life personality.

But perhaps the most enduring testament to Braman’s legacy is the example he set for others—the way he faced adversity with courage, treated everyone with respect, and loved his family with all his heart.

In the end, Bryan Braman’s story is not just about football. It’s about resilience, compassion, and the power of the human spirit. It’s about a man who, in his final days, showed that true greatness is measured not by what we achieve, but by the love and legacy we leave behind.