The bond between NFL teammates runs deeper than most people realize. When former linebacker Bryan Braman passed away this week at 38, that brotherhood showed itself in the most heartfelt way possible. His former Houston Texans teammate J.J. Watt didn’t just offer condolences. He reminded everyone what it means to be part of the NFL family.
How Did J. J. Watt Honor His Former Texans Teammate?
From 2011 to 2013, Watt and Braman played together in Houston during some of the franchise’s best years. For the first two seasons, the Texans won 22 games, their most over any two-season stretch in franchise history.
Watt served as the defensive leader, the playmaking defensive lineman who altered games with his ability to rush the passer, play the run, and bat down passes. Meanwhile, Braman carved out his crucial role.
As a special-teams ace, the former West Texas A&M standout excelled in his niche. While he never started an NFL game, his contributions had a lasting effect wherever he played. This week, Braman died of an aggressive form of cancer after being diagnosed earlier this year. Watt took to social media to extend his condolences.
Rest in Peace brother.
Gone far too soon.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 17, 2025
“Rest in Peace brother. Gone far too soon. 🙏🏻”
Eight succinct, heartfelt words from a teammate that will go a long way. As mentioned, Braman never lined up as an NFL starter, but opponents still felt his impact. After a college career that saw him venture from Idaho to Long Beach City College and West Texas A&M, the Texans signed him as an undrafted free agent.
What Made Bryan Braman’s Special Teams Impact So Memorable?
Braman loved the speed and force involved in special teams. His approach to them perfectly fit: barreling down the field and looking to hit the ball carrier, a blocker, or anything that moved.
In Week 17 of the 2011 season, cameras zoomed in on a helmetless Braman running down the field to tackle Tennessee Titans returner Marc Mariani. He didn’t drag the ball carrier to the ground. Instead, Braman hit Mariani face-to-face to the delight of his teammates.
His final game happened in Super Bowl LII. He made one tackle on special teams, helping the Eagles win their first Super Bowl. That was the only tackle he made all season, after only being active for three games.
Braman played 97 career games, making 56 stops. He returned a blocked punt eight yards for a touchdown in 2012. Nine years ago, VICE Network produced an interview that allowed Braman to discuss his career.
The outpouring of support from former teammates continues to pour in on social media. Lane Johnson, a former teammate and current Eagles right tackle, paid his respects.
Today is a tough day that hits close to home. I always admired Bryan’s ability to overcome life’s obstacles, his passion for the game, and the love he had for his friends and family. Rest in peace, Brother. @BryanBraman56
— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) July 17, 2025
“Today is a tough day that hits close to home. I always admired Bryan’s ability to overcome life’s obstacles, his passion for the game, and the love he had for his friends and family. Rest in peace, Brother. @BryanBraman56”
I didn’t intend on crying this morning. Then I read the news on my teammate, Bryan Braman.
Love you Braman. You lived a hard life, and you never complained about it. A champion in life and a warrior in death.
It is forever, indeed. pic.twitter.com/43J9hHTEDf
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) July 17, 2025
Additionally, another former Philadelphia teammate, Emmanuel Acho, expressed his sentiments.
“I didn’t intend on crying this morning. Then I read the news on my teammate, Bryan Braman. Love you Braman. You lived a hard life, and you never complained about it. A champion in life and a warrior in death. It is forever, indeed.”
Watt’s legend is known throughout the league, yet not many of his kind gestures are. When Braman’s cancer progressed, the former NFL star donated $10,000 to a GoFundMe established to assist Braman. The linebacker leaves behind two daughters.
