The Baltimore Ravens announced today that former LB Zach Orr will work with the teams coaching staff and personnel department.
Zach Orr surprised many people with his level of play last year. Going undrafted several years ago meant that not many people outside of the team knew his name. He had played important roles on special teams but didn’t see too many snaps on defense.
Going into the 2016 season there was a glaring hole at inside linebacker next to C.J. Mosley after the team decided to part ways with veteran Daryl Smith. Zach Orr eventually won the position. From there he never looked back.
Orr led the team in tackles in 2016. He had a remarkable season. The future looked bright at linebacker with emerging him and C.J. Mosley, who is already one of the best at the position. But after the season ended, Orr was told he could never play football again.
It was crushing news. Orr had finally received recognition for his hard work and talent, and now he was suddenly having to retire because of a congenital spine condition. I remember feeling extremely sad and disappointed for him. He was a young player who had a bright future ahead of him with the Ravens.
Flash forward a couple of months and Orr announces that he is coming out of retirement to play football again. He had received a second opinion from a different doctor who convinced him that he could still play in the NFL. When no teams cleared him though, he retired yet again.
A new beginning for Orr.
This sad story finally has a bright spot though. Today the Baltimore Ravens announced that Zachary Orr will be joining the coaching staff and personnel department. I couldn’t hide my huge grin when I saw this. Orr was loyal to the Ravens, even when he came back from retirement. The first team he reached out to was Baltimore before he even announced he was coming back.
Orr deserves to be a part of this team. If that can’t be as a player then this is the next best thing. Zach Orr is the definition of a true Baltimore Raven.
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Orr also brings knowledge of the game and passion that he can share with the young linebackers on the team. He can provide motivation for other undrafted players like Patrick Onwausor, who is currently in a position battle for Orr’s old spot. Most importantly, he can still be part of the team. Though he may not be suiting up with his fellow brothers on game day, Orr will still be right there with them. I for one am really happy for him and wish him success in his new job.