Ravens’ defenders are excited to play for new DC Zach Orr

The Baltimore Ravens and Zach Orr have gotten to know each other quite well over the past decade. Orr was signed as an undrafted free agent back in 2013, and played three years of good football before having to retire due to an injury.

Despite hanging up his cleats while playing at such a high level, Orr wanted to continue with football and dove headfirst into coaching, where he worked his way up the ranks to being hired as Baltimore’s newest defensive coordinator. Following the news, some Ravens players released statements about their excitement of being able to play under Orr in his new role.

OLB Odafe Oweh

“I’m excited to start next season with Zach being our defensive coordinator. He just brings a different type of passion and a different perspective to the game that you have to appreciate. Throughout the season last year, it was a great season. He was just a big catalyst of that with the passion he brought to each meeting, the insight and intelligence that he brought with every slide. He always had a good tell for us. He always had good insight on the personnel that we had. His understanding of the game was just always impressive, and we looked up to him as someone who was dominant on the field and could teach you the Xs and Os and lead a group of men. I’m very excited to be on this journey with Coach Zach in his first year as the defensive coordinator. I really believe there isn’t anyone else who deserves this accomplishment more than him. He’s very deserving of it, so I look forward to it. His drive and his passion are really second to none. One thing I always notice about Zach is that his voice is always loud. It’s always in the highest pitch, and you have to respect it because it never wavers. He’s always bringing that action. He’s always bringing that energy to just make sure that everyone is on their toes and make sure every guy is at the same level. We play a very violent game, and he brings that passionate mentally; he brings that passion in the Xs and Os. He’s just that good of a coach, and I’m excited for his opportunity.”

DL Michael Pierce

“I’m excited to have Zach as a D.C. for many reasons: Firstly, I’ve been in the organization long enough to have him as a teammate. My rookie year, Zach was an All-Pro. Knowing that he was undrafted two years prior to me arriving definitely gave me something to aspire to. One thing I always noticed and respected about Zach was how hard he worked and the energy he brought to every practice and game. His motor never stopped! To then see his career cut short due to his spinal condition was disheartening. But to see him then pivot to coaching and work his way up the ranks so quickly is truly inspiring. He’s a great football mind who brings to work every day that same intensity, passion and knowledge he played with. He challenges guys on a level that only a former player could. He also can see the game and coach the game from a coach’s point of view, as well as a player’s. Zach knows what it means to be a Raven and carry the shield. He also knows what it takes daily to uphold that tradition. He’s been here basically his whole career, and he embodies what we strive to display every Sunday.  He is a True Raven.”

ILB Roquan Smith

“I have an immense amount of respect for ‘ZO’ and the way he goes about work, day-in and day-out. While it’s unfortunate that his career was cut short due to an injury, I feel like he carries that passion over to the game of football and coaching. You don’t know which day will be your last, so you have to give everything you have while you have it; I see he lives by that. Yes, I’m extremely happy for him. He brings passion on the field, off the field and in the meeting room, as well as his football IQ and the ability to relate to players. He’s very young and has been in the game recently, so I think overall, it’s a really good fit for our defense. Everyone around the building respects him; it’s not just because of what he says, but because of his actions and the way he goes about things. I think it’s going to be great for our defense, and I’m fired up with him leading the charge. I know his mentality is very similar to mine, so I’m stoked. I just know it’s going to be great for us.”

CB Brandon Stephens

“I’m very excited for ‘ZO.’ He’s devoted so much to this game, and he is very deserving of the next role he’s about to take on. He is a leader at heart and a student of the game. I know he will work tirelessly to uphold the standard that has been built so we are set up for success.”

It’s clear that Baltimore players have an immense amount of respect for Orr, and are fired up to be working with him as their defensive coordinator. The former inside linebacker will be tasked with continuing the Ravens’ historic tradition of defense, one that he’s been a part of both as a player and a coach.