National Football League

Longtime Ravens assistant Clarence Brooks passes away from cancer

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:14 p.m. ET

Andrew Lynch

The Baltimore Ravens announced that longtime defensive line coach Clarence Brooks passed away on Saturday at a Florida hospital. Brooks was diagnosed with esophageal cancer last year.

Via Ravens.com:

Brooks made his diagnosis public in December. He missed two games while receiving treatment in 2015 but continued to coach -- although he did cut back on the late nights so he could spend evenings at home eating dinner with his family. Some of his defensive linemen even traveled with Brooks during his treatments.

Brian Billick initially hired Brooks back in 2005, and Brooks stayed on when the team changed coaches in 2007. Current Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has called Brooks the best defensive line coach he's ever been around.

Brooks is survived by his wife Justa, his children Jason and Adrienne, and two grandchildren. Justa Brooks helped her husband through his radiation treatments, as she went through a similar prognosis when she was diagnosed with breast cancer almost 10 years ago.

As a side note, the conversation around cancer can often be complicated. You might notice the lack of words like "battle," "survivor," and the like here. While those of us who have not faced such a diagnosis will refer to those who have some form of cancer as heroes who are winning battles, we might not consider the pressures such language puts on those facing a tough medical situation. The intention is good; we want to express our admiration for their strength and the way that such a difficult time puts things into perspective. Unfortunately, our words sometimes fail to match our intentions, according to some:

Clarence Brooks touched the hearts and lives of all those he encountered. You will be so missed, Coach. https://t.co/gZYyL4E0QG
— Ravens Community (@RavensCommunity) September 17, 2016

Brooks did not "lose" his fight with cancer on Saturday, because this isn't a battle measured in victories and defeats. He, like so many others, showed perseverance in going through his treatments and going about his life. The effect he had on those around him, whether he knew it or not, is the real win.

Hug your loved ones, friends. Tell the people in your lives how much they mean to you.