Baltimore icon O.J. Brigance launches book in Hunt Valley, Maryland

HUNT VALLEY, Md. - Oct. 15, 2013 - PRLog -- Legendary Baltimore Ravens linebacker and inspirational local icon, O.J. Brigance makes a rare public appearance for the national launch of his new book at Greetings & Readings of Hunt Valley on Tuesday, October 22 from 6 to 8 p.m.

In Strength of a Champion: Finding Faith and Fortitude through Adversity (http://www.greetingsandreadings.com/show?product.strength-of-a-champion) (on sale October 22, 2013), O.J. Brigance shares his incredible story and offers lessons in resilience and reflections on the 2012 championship team that inspired him in turn. O.J. recounts the struggles and successes of Baltimore Ravens players, including Ray Lewis, Joe Flacco and Torrey Smith, as well as the strength of head coach John Harbaugh.

Following a stellar 12-year career as a linebacker, including a Super Bowl win with Baltimore in 2000, O.J. Brigance joined the Baltimore Ravens front office. In 2007, O.J. was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, and told he had only three to five years to live.

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.

O.J. Brigance visits Greetings & Readings with his wife Chanda and co-author Peter Schrager, a sportscaster for the FOX News channel. Chanda will stamp copies of Strength of a Champions purchased at Greetings & Readings with O.J. Brigance’s signature. Peter Schrager will sign each copy sold. No additional memorabilia will be signed. Line tickets will be distributed beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22.

Located in the Hunt Valley Towne Centre on Shawan Road, Greetings & Readings of Hunt Valley (http://www.greetingsandreadings.com/show?home) is Baltimore’s premier independent gift store. With 30,000-square-feet of merchandise, Greetings & Readings houses a full book department, a huge selection of Baltimore Ravens gear, a Vera Bradley boutique, Hallmark Gold Crown store, custom printing department and more.