Florio updated his story. Orr is not walking away because of a fear of injury but because he has a serious neck injury. This is very sad.
Zach Orr says he’s “forced to walk away” because of neck condition
Posted by Michael David Smith on January 20, 2017, 11:11 AM EST
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 11: Linebacker Zach Orr #54 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates in the first half of the Buffalo Bills vs. the Baltimore Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium on September 11, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Ravens linebacker Zach Orr is retiring not because he wants to, but because doctors are telling him he has to.
Orr says an examination on a herniated disc revealed that he has a rare neck condition that could result in a serious, life-changing injury if he continued to play. As a result, he’s walking away from football at age 24.
“I’m blessed and thankful that I’m able to walk away from the game in good health,” Orr said.
After initially making the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2014 by playing special teams, Orr emerged as a very good starting linebacker in Baltimore during the 2016 season. There was talk that he could be due for a big contract this offseason, but now he’s done playing football entirely.
Still, Orr seemed to be in good spirits, saying that he’s going to stay active in his community and in mentoring young men. Ravens coach John Harbaugh and G.M. Ozzie Newsome both called Orr a fine young man who has a bright future ahead of him. Just not on the field.
