Former NFL star is diagnosed with rare form of cancer as football legend makes huge donation for treatment

The NFL world is rallying around former star Bryan Braman after it was revealed that he's been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. 

Braman, 38, was signed by the Houston Texans as a free agent in 2011, before spending seven years in the NFL and later retiring with the Philadelphia Eagles.

It was during his time with the Eagles - in 2017 - when Braman reached the Super Bowl and helped the side defeat the New England Patriots 41-33 on the night.

Now, however, things are very different for the former defensive end after it was revealed that he's 'undergoing a Car-t cell reprogramming treatment program in Seattle'.

Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho took to X on Thursday to reveal the news and plead for donations from Eagles and NFL fans alike. 

He wrote: 'I’m sad it’s taken me so long to see this. @Eagles fans, we need you to be teammates right now. 

'My teammate & SB Champ, Bryan Braman is battling an extremely rare cancer He laid his body on the line for Philly, & now he needs Philly to survive'.

Acho also provided a link to the GoFundMe which has been set up for Braman. A total of $46,495 has been raised already, at the time of writing. 

Among the donators is three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt, who contributed a stunning $10,000 to the fund.

The description for Braman's GoFundMe reads: 'Bryan is home with his family after undergoing a Car-t cell reprogramming treatment program in Seattle. 

'With the cancer that Bryan has, which is a VERY rare form of cancer, the Car-t treatment had the highest chance of success as the cells are reprogrammed to fight this cancer that is within Bryan. 

'Bryan has had to undergo several surgical procedures. The main problem has been that Bryan has not been able to recover from the procedures because of his lowered immunity due to all of these treatments. 

'The Dr's are now concerned because of his treatment, his chemo options are very limited. They have tried all of the various treatment options, and unfortunately, none of them are working against this cancer. 

'But Bryan has not given up. He is looking into other trial treatment programs, and is determined to never give up'.

Further details, provided by organizer William Jones, read: 'I am trying to raise $15,000 to pay for housing for him, his caregiver, and his uncle as they all live together. 

'He is also in need of food or meal cards. Restaurant gift cards would be great in addition to any cash donations anyone can afford to help with'.