Brian Orakpo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Brian Orakpo

Orakpo in 2022
No. 98
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1986-07-31) July 31, 1986 (age 38) Houston, Texas, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:	257 lb (117 kg)
Career information
High school:	Lamar (Houston, Texas)
College:	Texas (2004–2008)
NFL Draft:	2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13
Career history
Washington Redskins (2009–2014) Tennessee Titans (2015–2018)
Career highlights and awards
4× Pro Bowl (2009, 2010, 2013, 2016) PFWA All-Rookie Team (2009) BCS national champion (2005) Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2008) Ted Hendricks Award (2008) Lombardi Award (2008) Bill Willis Trophy (2008) Unanimous All-American (2008) Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2008) Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year (2008) Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2005) First-team All-Big 12 (2008)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 396 Sacks: 66.0 Forced fumbles: 12 Interceptions: 1 Pass deflections: 31 Defensive touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

Brian Ndubisi Orakpo (born July 31, 1986) is a former American football player. He played as a linebacker for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Brian was known for his strong defensive skills.

He played college football at the University of Texas. There, he was named a unanimous All-American. The Washington Redskins picked him as the 13th player in the 2009 NFL draft. He also played for the Tennessee Titans. Brian was chosen for the Pro Bowl four times during his career.

Early Life

Brian Orakpo was born on July 31, 1986, in Houston, Texas. His parents, Gloria and Arthur Orakpo, moved to the U.S. from Nigeria. He has two younger siblings, Jennifer and Michael.

Brian played high school football at Lamar High School in Houston. He played both defensive end and tight end. He was named to the First-team all-district twice. He also played basketball for three years.

College Football Star

Orakpo as a Texas Longhorn in 2008

Brian Orakpo went to the University of Texas. He played for the Texas Longhorns football team from 2004 to 2008. In 2004, he was "redshirted," meaning he practiced but didn't play in games. This allowed him to gain an extra year of college eligibility.

University of Texas Highlights

In 2005, Brian played in all 13 games. He helped the Longhorns' defense rank 10th nationally. He made 27 tackles and helped them win the National Championship. For his great play, he was named Defensive Freshman of the Year.

As a sophomore in 2006, he played in all 13 games. He recorded 26 tackles and 4.5 sacks. In 2007, he played nine games but missed four due to a knee injury. He was named the Defensive MVP of the 2007 Holiday Bowl.

His senior year in 2008 was amazing. He had 40 tackles and 11.5 sacks. He won several major awards for best defensive player. These included the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Lombardi Award. He was also named a unanimous first-team All-American. This means all major selectors agreed he was one of the best.

Overall, in college, Brian had 132 tackles and 22 sacks. He also forced six fumbles.

Pro Football Journey

Before the NFL draft, Brian Orakpo showed off his skills at the NFL Combine. This is where college players are tested. He performed very well, especially in the bench press and vertical jump. Experts thought he would be a top pick.

Joining the NFL

The Washington Redskins chose Brian Orakpo as the 13th player in the 2009 NFL draft. He was one of the first defensive ends picked that year. On July 31, 2009, he signed a five-year contract with the Redskins.

Washington Redskins Years

Orakpo during a Redskins' preseason game in 2009.

Rookie Season (2009)

Brian started his first NFL game as a strongside linebacker. In Week 3, he got his first NFL sack. In Week 14, he had an incredible game with four sacks. This tied a Redskins' record for sacks in a single game. He was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

He was also chosen for the 2010 Pro Bowl. This was a huge honor for a rookie. He finished his first year with 50 tackles and 11 sacks.

Second Season (2010)

The Redskins got a new defensive coordinator, Jim Haslett. Brian continued to be a starting outside linebacker. He had two sacks against the Green Bay Packers in Week 5. He finished the season with 56 tackles and 8.5 sacks. He was again selected for the 2011 Pro Bowl.

Third Season (2011)

Brian continued to be a key player for the Redskins. In Week 4, he had 2.5 sacks against the St. Louis Rams. This earned him another NFC Defensive Player of the Week award. He ended the season with 59 tackles and nine sacks.

Injury Setback (2012)

Brian started the 2012 season strong. However, in Week 2, he tore a pectoral muscle. This injury meant he had to miss the rest of the season. He was placed on injured reserve.

Strong Comeback (2013)

Brian returned in 2013 ready to play. In Week 4, he had two sacks against the Oakland Raiders. Three weeks later, he made his first NFL touchdown! He intercepted a pass and ran it 29 yards to score. He finished the season with a career-high 60 tackles and 10 sacks. He was selected for the 2014 Pro Bowl.

Final Redskins Season (2014)

Orakpo with the Washington Redskins in 2014

In 2014, the Redskins used a "franchise tag" on Brian. This meant they could keep him for one more year at a set salary. However, in Week 7, he tore his pectoral muscle again. This injury ended his season early. He became a free agent in 2015.

Tennessee Titans Years

On March 13, 2015, Brian signed a four-year contract with the Tennessee Titans.

First Season (2015)

Brian became a starting outside linebacker for the Titans. In October, he was named a defensive captain for the first time. This showed his leadership on the team. He had two sacks against the New Orleans Saints in Week 9. He finished his first Titans season with 51 tackles and seven sacks.

Pro Bowl Return (2016)

Brian continued to be a strong force for the Titans. In Week 5, he had two sacks against the Miami Dolphins. His excellent play earned him a spot in the 2017 Pro Bowl. He finished the season with 46 tackles and 10.5 sacks.

Playoff Run (2017)

Brian remained a starting linebacker in 2017. He helped the Titans reach the playoffs. In the Wild Card Round, he had 1.5 sacks against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Titans won that game! They later lost to the New England Patriots in the next round. Brian finished the season with 44 tackles and seven sacks.

Final Season (2018)

Brian played 13 games in his final season. He missed the last three games due to an elbow injury. He finished 2018 with 28 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Retirement

On December 31, 2018, Brian Orakpo announced he was retiring from the NFL. He played for 10 seasons.

Career Stats

Regular season

Postseason

Off the Field

Brian Orakpo has also been in commercials. He appeared in ads for Geico and Eastern Motors. In 2009, Brian married his wife, Bitura. They have three children: Brian, Brianna, and Brea.

In 2018, Brian and his Titans teammate Michael Griffin opened a Gigi's Cupcakes shop. It is located outside Austin, Texas. They started it with their friend, Bryan Hynson.