Zach is Back!

Coach Andy Mac · June 9, 2022

Ravens linebackers coach Zach Orr is a native of Loudoun County, Virginia, roughly 80 miles from his current place of employment in Owings Mills, Maryland. He grew up as a Redskins fan, the son of former NFL tight end Terry Orr who played in DC for 8 seasons and is a two-time Super Bowl Champion. Zach spent his formative years in DeSoto, Texas, graduating from DeSoto High School before moving on to the University of North Texas and their Mean Green football program.

Orr wasn’t highly regarded by NFL scouts. He went undrafted in 2014, eventually signing with the Ravens where he played for three seasons. Orr was primarily a special teams ace during his first two campaigns in Baltimore. But during his third season in Charm City, Orr seized an opportunity to start beside C.J. Mosley at inside linebacker.

Lacking ideal size and speed, Orr relied on preparation and keen instincts while contributing 133 tackles in 2016, eventually being named a 2nd-team All Pro by the Associated Press. Zach’s timing from a career perspective, was as spot on as he was when filling gaps in Dean Pees’ 3-4 defensive scheme. Free agency awaited and it was time for Orr to cash in.

Or so we thought.

Orr was born with a rare spinal condition. His C-1 vertebrae, the one located at the top of the neck, just below the skull, was not fully developed. Medical experts warned that the wrong type of impact could force the vertebrae to explode and potentially result in death. Zach had no choice but to retire at the age of 24.

read more: https://russellstreetreport.com/2022/06/09/lombardis-way/orr-2/