Former NFL linebacker Bryan Braman, who played a crucial role in the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl victory during the 2017 season, has died aged 38.
His agent Sean Stellato confirmed his death on Thursday following a cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
Braman leaves behind two daughters, Blakely, 11, and Marlowe, eight.
He had previously described his seven NFL seasons, his Super Bowl triumph and his daughters as "the three greatest accomplishments in my life".
The 6ft 5in defender also played for the Houston Texans during his professional career, with the Super Bowl marking his final game before retirement.
Braman entered the NFL in 2011 as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans, having played college football at Long Beach City College, Idaho and West Texas A&M.
Despite going undrafted, he quickly made his mark as a specialist.
The linebacker became renowned for his fearless approach to the game, once completing a tackle after losing his helmet.
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|Bryan Braman was part of the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles team
His punt-blocking abilities made him a valuable asset throughout his career.
Weighing 230lb, Braman's physical presence, combined with his aggressive playing style, made him a formidable opponent on special teams units for both Houston and Philadelphia.
One of Braman's most defining moments came during Philadelphia's Super Bowl campaign in the divisional round against the Atlanta Falcons.
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After mistakenly touching a live punt that gave Atlanta advantageous field position and led to their only touchdown, Braman immediately redeemed himself.
On Atlanta's next punt attempt, he burst through the line and deflected the ball, causing a poor 22-yard kick.
Though initially penalised for running into the kicker, Braman told officials he had touched the ball - a claim verified by replay that nullified the penalty.
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|The Special Teams player was known for his fearless approach to play
"It was big for me," he said afterwards. "I was able to keep my head in the game and turn it around."
The Eagles capitalised on the shortened field with a 53-yard field goal from Jake Elliott, reducing Atlanta's lead to 10-9 before half-time in a match Philadelphia won 15-10.
"I just had to let it go and do my job," Braman explained.
"If I let it affect me, then I start reaching. That's when other bad things start to happen."
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|Bryan Braman leaves behind two children
Stellato paid an emotional tribute: "Bryan, people saw this enormous human being, but his heart was as big as his body. His spirit was so motivating. He was so real and genuine with everybody. That made him special."
"It's hard. I feel like I lost my firstborn," Stellato told Houston's KPRC 2.
"This kid, he gave me his bed every time I came to Philadelphia. He would threaten me if I didn't stay with him. That's something I'll always cherish. My heart hurts today."
A GoFundMe page established for Braman's medical expenses raised $88,000, with numerous former teammates contributing. JJ Watt donated $10,000 to support his former Houston colleague.
Braman recorded one tackle in Super Bowl LII as Philadelphia defeated the New England Patriots 41-33, securing the franchise's first NFL championship since 1960.