Strength of a Champion: Finding Faith and Fortitude Through Adversity

by O.J. Brigance, Peter Schrager, Ray Lewis (Foreword)

As the Baltimore Ravens made their improbable march to victory in Super Bowl XLVII, they turned to their senior advisor of player development, O.J. Brigance, for inspiration each and every Sunday.

Following a stellar twelve-year career as a linebacker, including a Super Bowl win with Baltimore in 2000, O.J.Juice Brigance joined the Ravens front office. But in 2007, O.J. was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also known as Lou Gehrig's disease and told he had only three to five years to live. As a player, he'd battled hundreds of injuries and setbacks. None of them prepared him to face ALS.

With faith and determination in his heart and his wife, Chanda, praying by his side, O.J. fought back against the debilitating disease, even as ALS robbed him of the ability to walk and speak. He kept working, smiling, and touching his players lives all the way through their remarkable Super Bowl run more than five years after his diagnosis.

Now, O.J. shares his incredible story, offering lessons in resilience and reflecting on the championship team that inspired him in turn. Along with his own journey, O.J. recounts the struggles and successes of Ravens players, including Ray Lewis, Joe Flacco, and Torrey Smith, as well as the strength of head coach John Harbaugh. Having watched their season from the best seat in the house, O.J. highlights their perseverance, confidence, and leadership, and the best that sports can bring out in people.

Full of profound revelations and never-before-told anecdotes, Strength of a Champion is a celebration of the human spirit from a man who left everything on the field. O.J. Brigance never asked to be a hero. That's what makes his story so courageous.

Genres: Biography, Sports, Nonfiction, Audiobook

272 pages, Hardcover

First published October 22, 2013

Reviews

[Angie Fehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strength of a Champion opens with the story of O.J. Brigance and his team, the Baltimore Ravens, winning the 2013 Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers (his second Super Bowl win, his first being in 2000). This win came five years after Brigance was diagnosed with ALS (amytrophic lateral sclerosis), commonly dubbed Lou Gehrig's Disease for the baseball player who famously brought the disease to the public's attention with his diagnosis announcement in 1939. In Brigance's story, he adds up his ALS diagnosis with other hardships across his lifetime -- being born to teen parents, growing up an introverted child with a speech impediment (which he eventually overcame), having to spend years in the Canadian Football League before the NFL would even give him a chance --- to present an inspiration story of how to bounce back from frequent adversity, to ultimately present yourself to the world as the ultimate champion.

After spending years in the Canadian Football League, his persistence in reaching for his goals pays off. In 1996, after anchoring himself in a mindset of resilient faith, perseverance, and a good amount of being egged on by his wife, Brigance earns himself his first NFL position. He'd start with a spot on the Miami Dolphins team (four years with them and then a bit of an "unsigned" lull), but much of his twelve year career as a linebacker would be spend with the Baltimore Ravens.

Following his diagnosis, Brigance was unsure how to proceed with his football career. Should he retire outright? If he continued on as a player, how long could he go on? He was already having struggles at this point, the first sign being a tingling sensation in the arm that started up during a 2006 racquetball game and only grew worse from there. His doctors had given him the nitty gritty on this condition: in the 2-5 year window after diagnosis, 50% of patients don't live beyond 3 years from initial onset of symptoms, only 20% make the 5 year mark. In short, the cards would be stacked against him.

But Brigance clearly wasn't one for being a nameless, faceless statistic. He set out to be the exception to the rule. After a long talk with Ravens coach (1999-2007) Brian Billick, Billick offers him a position in the front office as Director of Player Programs, a job Brigance agrees to take on. O.J's wife was also given a position as mentor to NFL wives, her official title being Lady Ravens Group Facilitator. In 2008, O.J. starts the Brigance Brigade, "a foundation built to equip, encourage, and empower those living with ALS". While on one hand it seemed he was still professionally thriving, the position was not without its struggles. By 2012, forty-three year old Brigance was holding down his job with the assistance of four around-the-clock nurses... but he was making it work!

Brigance's story touches upon all the hallmark inspiring themes: perseverance, faith, an appreciation for setbacks that become learning opportunities / character building moments, the importance of follow through once you have decided upon a course of action. It might have not always been the most riveting read for me all the way through, but it's still a moving story that'll definitely leave you in a space of gratitude for the gifts you've been given. It's near impossible to come away from this book without at least "damn, props dude"!

[Michael Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading possibly the best book ever. "Strength of Champions" about O.J. Brigance life with Peter Schrager assisting in the writing. It's the journey from High School to the NFL to the daily struggle of dealing with ALS. His journey is about struggle at every level, High School, Rice University, the CFL and finally the NFL. Often the same story many athletes often hear, too small, to slow not looking for that position and many others. No one called for college. He worked out for Coaches from Rice based on recommendations from his HS coach who advised them he was playing out of position to fit the needs of the team. Rice liked what he did. Played at Rice and was a star. No calls from the NFL went to BC Lions of the CFL. Played but bounced around before deciding the NFL was where he wanted and needed to be. He, personally called 29 of 32 teams before securing a Miami try out. Made the team and eventually would stability in Baltimore and played on the 2003 SB team. Eventually he bounced around several teams before ending his career. Unknowing what to do he went back to his coach at Baltimore for a recommendation. The coach hired him for a front office position. Not sure of the time line but was in Baltimore noticing he was getting weaker. Investigated and found out he had ALS. The average ALS person only lives three to five years. While the years have since destroyed his body you understand that his mind, spirit and faith are as strong as ever. His foundation Brigance Brigade helps ALS people though out the country. Anyone who's into sports of any kind but especially football strongly suggest this book.

[Len Knighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tomorrow, one day after finishing this book, is the 50th birthday of O.J. Brigance, the author of this book. There was a wonderful article in today's Baltimore Sun on Brigance, who has been and continues to be an inspiration to the Baltimore Ravens. He was a member of the Raven's first Super Bowl team of 2000 (XXXV), making the first tackle of the game. A few short years later he contracted ALS. Part of the book chronicles his 40th birthday. How amazing that he has survived ten years more; not just survived but works for the Ravens and inspires them with his attitude, his faith, his deeds, and his words. This book is his testimony of what God through Jesus Christ has done for him.
Yesterday I responded to the weekly Goodreads Friday question of what I will be reading this weekend. In putting down this book, I got a "like" from Brigance Brigade, the foundation founded by O.J. and Chanda Brigance to help provide valuable resources to ALS PALS. Probably the best "like" I ever got.
There are some wonderful quotes in this book that I have shared with a support group I am in. I think this book can inspire all of us to greater deeds, to be a champion to those we love most.

Five stars

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brigance's story can inspire anyone and it also shows the importance of having a team, whether literal or metaphorical, in your corner when going through difficult times. Remember to support people who have chronic health issues or who are going through a diagnosis (short or long term). Often, it's easy to feel like you don't know what to do or what you can offer, but O.J. shares some stories about people who helped him along the way just by doing small acts or gestures. It can make all the difference.

[Jeff Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot even imagine how he does it

What an unbelievable story and testimony of God’s grace and power. O.J. and I have graduating from Rice University in common, so I was already interested. But, this is a gripping, astounding book about turning incomprehensible adversity into triumph. Praise God for His goodness, this is a redemption story of the first order.

[Cade · Rating 4 out of 5]

OJ is an inspiration. He worked hard for everything he had. Grew up in a broken town with a heart bigger than he is. He got a starting job as a NFL player. It all came tumbling down when he got ALS. He had a determination beyond the walls of the mind and he is still fighting

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational

I liked his candor about the struggles he encountered and the numerous setbacks while he maintained an amazingly positive spirit. His account of his illness is sobering

[J Talken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspirational book. I lost my Father-in-Law, Francis Meurer, almost 10 years ago on Aug. 27th 2010 to ALS and I was very encouraged to hear that O.J. is still with us. This book is a wonderful testament to keeping that positive attitude no matter what life throws at you. Keep up the fight!

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had tears in my eyes throughout this whole book. O.J is such an inspiration. 💜💜💜

[Laura Steakin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so inspired by reading this book!

[Robby Eckard · Rating 5 out of 5]

He wrote it with his EYES

[Hannah Rouzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly one of the best books I have ever read! I appreciate him sharing his faith and how it guides his life!

[Rebecca Rentzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave me so much faith in humanity. Falling is a blessing.

[Spencer Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Strength of a Champion highlights the author, O.J. Brigance’s hardships and accomplishments throughout his life and football career. It focuses on his high school, collegiate, and pro, both Canadian and National Football League seasons. Strength of a Champion also features his hardships through the battle of the bedridden disease that is ALS. I would recommend this book to people of all interests and ages because it not only is strictly football but he talks about his battles between ALS every day. It also shows that stuff in life will not be handed to you, you have to go out and work for them. I would encourage people to read this book because it will show you that there will be obstacles in life, it will give you a better understanding of the disease ALS, and that not everything in life will be handed to you.
First off, you should read this book because it will teach you that there are obstacles in life that you will have to overcome. If you are not willing to overcome these obstacles than you won’t be able to succeed in certain things that this obstacle affects. In the book, it tells stories about O.J. and his injuries throughout his football career. O.J. has been plagued with ever since his high school playing days, whenever O.J. was presented with an injury he took it as a challenge. Not a setback. When he had an injury he would do whatever he could to get back on the playing field or play through it. This is what I mean by overcoming obstacles in life. Another huge obstacle O.J. had to go through was the battle of ALS, one night when he came home from work and his wife Chanda was not home to help him out he had to take off his button down shirt. He could not perform this simple task and he knew things were getting serious. He tried and strangled with the button for over an hour until he couldn’t take it anymore. He simply gave up and went to sleep on his bed fully clothed.
Another reason you should read this book is because you will learn so much about the deathly disease of ALS and you will be blessed to be so lucky to be healthy. When O.J. was diagnosed with the disease he was very unhappy and thought how can I tell my friends, family, and teammates that have helped me succeed up to this point in life that I have only three to five years left to live. Eventually O.J. and his wife dealt with the fact of the disease and had to move on but do whatever they could to help him with the disease. O.J. kept his job within the Baltimore Ravens organization and was continuing to help players off the field daily, he loved his job and he loved the Ravens franchise. The current coach of the Ravens had asked O.J. back in their super bowl run back in 2012 to have pregame speeches and to help motivate the players in their big games. Throughout O.J.’s battle with ALS he started the foundation of awareness for ALS named the Brigance Brigade.
The last and third reason you should read this book is that it will show you nothing in life will be handed to you. You have to work for everything and everything is not going to be a walk in the park. Sometimes may be easier than others but you will always have to dig in and work for everything. O.J. has been hit with adversity all of his life between the battle of ALS, his football career, and much more. He once said following an AFC championship win versus the New England Patriots who had beaten them in the playoffs the year before to his team, “You are AFC champions. You are my mighty men. With God, all things are possible.”(Pg. 228) This shows that his team was fighting for him because of his disease and was pouring their hard work and sweat for him all over the field. O.J. had to work very hard and pray very hard to get into the NFL. It was a very tough process to do because he called over 20 teams and none were interested until he found one particular team that was finally interested, the Miami Dolphins. After his collegiate career he went to the Canadian Football League and won a couple championships up north before hitting the big leagues. When he was on the phone with the Dolphins they just required one thing, they asked could he run a 4.5 40-yard dash. He said, “Of course I can.” He blatantly lied he had not ran a 4.5 since his college days and now he was going to run one in front of Miami Dolphins scouts the next day. The next day O.J. took a flight down to Miami so the Dolphins could work him out. When it came to the forty-yard dash he was nervous as ever. He got in his position and took off he sped down the field as if he were a cheetah and as he was walking back to the coached the man with the timer screamed “4.50 on the dot.” This opportunity to s lot of risk and hard work but he finally got his chance to show what he had. These are the three reasons why you should read this knowledgeable and exciting story about the life of O.J. Brigance.

[Cheryl Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from a friend at church on Sunday, April 17, 2016. I was excited about the fact that it was purchased for me and just as excited to begin reading it. In previous times, when thinking of the Baltimore Ravens, I always thought of Art Modell, couldn't win the big ones, spoiled overpaid athletes, etc. With regime changes, I loved the hiring of Coach Harbaugh and the manner he would communicate with Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Joe Flacco. I will now have to equate the Baltimore Ravens with another name: a Christian based NFL organization that truly stood by one of their own.

O.J. Brigance , a Texas born, former NFL and CFL professional football player, while working for the Baltimore Ravens organization, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). This was in 2007. He was 37 years of age and, by all accounts, had a bright future. Strength of a Champion is a read about the challenges that he faced along the way. It takes you from the early signs, diagnosis and his revealing the diagnosis to family, friends and the others. But, it speaks of much more. It speaks about the love bestowed upon him by his wife, Chanda, the support and commitment of the Ravens foundation, his special relationship with Ray Lewis, Coach Harbaugh and others and O.J.'s faith and commitment to not waver on where he's been but where he's going.

This book is a testament that when you know "who you are and whose you are" you can come through the fire. O.J. Brigance is many things.....husband, son, brother, inspiration, uncle, ex team player, motivator, Ravens employee, speaker and so much more. But, above all things, he's a Christian who makes no excuses for his walk and gives all credit to the Heavenly Father. He shares with the reader that adversity builds character. The book isn't preachy. It includes words from others that inspires and lifts. Make no mistake: it attest to the fact that....there are always adjustments to be made. Thank you O.J. Brigance for reminding me what thus said the Lord: "Faith: it does not make things easy; it makes them possible." (Luke 1:37)

[Charlie Googe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strength of a Champion is an interesting and well written book by O.J. Brigance. O.J. is a great man who after facing adversity all his life, got to the NFL, but then was diagnosed with ALS. ALS is a disease that eventually deteriorates your muscles and usually leads to death in 2-5 years. In the book, O.J. talks about this adversity but also finds a way to stay positive and knows that God has a plan for him. He is determined to beat ALS and is already half a year past five years since diagnosis. This shows that with enough faith and strength, you can get past anything. O.J. writes this book perfectly and strings together elegant sentences that strike the inner fire within yourself to fight and plow through adversity. Within the book O.J. shares many of the speeches he has given to the Ravens. These speeches are intricate works of art meant to inspire the team, and they do. O.J.'s story is a hard story to tell, but it is told so well by the only man that could tell it. I recommend this book to any sports fan or anyone who needs inspiration to fight through adversity.

[Niki · Rating 2 out of 5]

O.J. Brigance is a perfect human being. If he has ever done anything wrong, had any doubts, felt any regret or envy or jealousy, you would never know it from this autobiography. The dirt, of course, is what makes people interesting. So while O.J. Brigance may be a fantastic man, his story makes for a very boring read. (Is this really a biography? It seems merely an extensive pep talk.) Frankly, I find his optimism exhausting! I didn't care for the religious aspects, being an Atheist and all, but I did enjoy the behind the scenes peek at my favorite football team. Go Ravens!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. The courage of OJ is inspirational. I normally don't like books that relate a lot to religion, however it was nice to see how he could relate his religion and faith and make it seem more realistic and relatable. The fight and drive of this man is utterly ridiculous. If only we could all be as strong as him and his family.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for any Ravens/Football fan.. Really anyone.. Shows faith in struggle and triumph..