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 39) 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 was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons. Brian played college football for the University of Texas. He was chosen as a unanimous All-American and was picked by the Washington Redskins in the 2009 NFL draft. He also played for the Tennessee Titans and was selected to play in four Pro Bowl games.

Early Life and High School Football

Brian Orakpo was born on July 31, 1986, in Houston, Texas. His parents, Gloria and Arthur Orakpo, came 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 chosen for the First-team all-district twice. He also played basketball during his first three years of high school.

College Football Career

Orakpo as a Texas Longhorn in 2008

Orakpo went to the University of Texas. He played for the Texas Longhorns football team from 2004 to 2008. In 2004, he was a "redshirt" freshman, meaning he practiced but didn't play in games. In 2005, he played in all 13 games and started one. He quickly made a big impact for the Longhorns. He helped their defense rank 10th in the country. He made 27 tackles, a half sack, and forced and recovered a fumble. Because of his great play, he was named Defensive Freshman of the Year. He also helped the Longhorns win their fourth National Championship.

In 2006, as a sophomore, he played in all 13 games. He had 26 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He was named one of the most improved defensive players. In 2007, he played in nine games but missed four due to a knee injury. He was the Defensive MVP of the 2007 Holiday Bowl. He finished that season with 37 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

As a senior in 2008, Orakpo had 40 tackles and 11.5 sacks. He was named the Associated Press Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He also won several important awards:

• The Bronko Nagurski Trophy for the best defensive player.
• The Ted Hendricks Award for the top defensive end.
• The Bill Willis Trophy for the best college defensive lineman.
• The Lombardi Award for the best lineman or linebacker.

He was chosen as a unanimous first-team All-American. This means he was recognized as one of the best players in the country by many different groups. He was the first Texas Longhorn defensive end to be an All-American since 1995.

During his college career, Orakpo made 132 tackles, 22 sacks, and forced six fumbles.

Becoming a Professional Player

Orakpo attended the NFL Combine, where players show off their skills before the NFL Draft. He was known as a "workout warrior" because he was so strong and fast. His 31 reps in the bench press were second best among all defensive ends. His 39.5-inch vertical jump was also very impressive. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.63 seconds, showing his speed. Experts believed Orakpo would be a first-round pick in the NFL Draft.

Playing for the Washington Redskins

2009 Season: A Strong Start

The Washington Redskins picked Brian Orakpo in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft. He was the 13th player chosen overall. On July 31, 2009, he signed a five-year contract with the Redskins.

Orakpo during a Redskins' preseason game in 2009.

He started his first NFL game against the New York Giants. In Week 3, he got his first NFL sack against the Detroit Lions. In Week 14, Orakpo had an amazing game against the Oakland Raiders. He made four sacks, which tied the Redskins' record for most sacks in a single game. For this great performance, he was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. On December 30, 2009, Orakpo was chosen to play in the 2010 Pro Bowl. He was the only rookie to be voted onto the NFC team that year.

He finished his first year with 50 tackles and 11 sacks.

2010 Season: Another Pro Bowl

In 2010, the Redskins changed their defensive strategy. Orakpo became a starting outside linebacker. In Week 5, he had two sacks against the Green Bay Packers. He finished the season with 56 tackles and 8.5 sacks. On January 23, 2011, he was chosen to play in the 2011 Pro Bowl again.

2011 Season: More Sacks

Orakpo continued as a starting outside linebacker in 2011. In Week 4, he had 2.5 sacks against the St. Louis Rams, earning him another NFC Defensive Player of the Week award. He finished the season with 59 tackles and nine sacks. He was also chosen as an alternate for the 2012 Pro Bowl.

2012 Season: Injury Setback

In Week 2 of the 2012 season, Orakpo suffered a torn pectoral muscle. This injury meant he had to miss the rest of the season. He finished the year with only five tackles and one sack in two games.

2013 Season: A Touchdown!

Orakpo came back strong in 2013. In Week 4, he had two sacks against the Oakland Raiders. Three weeks later, he made his first NFL touchdown! He intercepted a pass from quarterback Jay Cutler and ran it 29 yards into the end zone. He finished the season with a career-high 60 tackles and ten sacks. He was also chosen to play in the 2014 Pro Bowl.

2014 Season: Another Injury

Orakpo with the Washington Redskins in 2014

In 2014, the Redskins used a special "franchise tag" on Orakpo, which meant he played for them for one more year. However, in Week 7, he tore his pectoral muscle again. This injury ended his season early. He finished the 2014 season with 24 tackles in seven games. After this season, he became a free agent, meaning he could sign with any team.

Playing for the Tennessee Titans

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

2015 Season: New Team, New Role

Orakpo became a starting outside linebacker for the Titans. On October 21, 2015, he was named the Titans' defensive captain, which was a big honor. In Week 9, he had two sacks against the New Orleans Saints. He finished his first season with the Titans with 51 tackles and seven sacks.

2016 Season: Back to the Pro Bowl

Orakpo continued to be a key player for the Titans in 2016. In Week 5, he had two sacks against the Miami Dolphins. On December 20, 2016, he was named to the 2017 Pro Bowl roster. He finished the 2016 season with 46 tackles and 10.5 sacks.

2017 Season: Playoff Appearance

In 2017, Orakpo continued to be a starting linebacker. He helped the Titans reach the playoffs. In the Wild Card Round, he had 1.5 sacks against the Kansas City Chiefs, helping the Titans win a close game. The Titans then lost to the New England Patriots in the next round. He finished the season with 44 tackles and seven sacks.

2018 Season: Final Year

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

Retirement from Football

On December 31, 2018, Brian Orakpo announced that he was retiring from the NFL after playing for 10 seasons.

NFL Statistics

Regular Season Stats

Playoff Stats

Personal Life

Brian Orakpo has had endorsement deals with companies like Geico. He appeared in commercials with one of the "caveman" spokespeople. He also appeared in commercials for Eastern Motors, a car dealership. Brian married his wife Bitura in 2009. They have three children: Brian, Brianna (born in 2013), and Brea (born in November 2017). In 2018, Orakpo and his Tennessee Titans teammate Michael Griffin opened a Gigi's Cupcakes store near Austin, Texas, with their friend Bryan Hynson.