Brian Orakpo's journey in professional football began when he was selected by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. As a linebacker, Orakpo quickly demonstrated his abilities on the field, earning a spot in the Pro Bowl during his rookie season. His performance was marked by an impressive tally of 11 sacks, which set the tone for his career in the NFL.
Orakpo played for the Washington Redskins for six seasons, during which he became known for his defensive prowess. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt offensive plays made him a valuable asset to the Redskins' defense. Over these years, Orakpo consistently delivered strong performances, earning Pro Bowl selections in 2009, 2010, and 2013. His tenure with the Redskins, however, was not without challenges. Injuries, including a torn pectoral muscle, sidelined him for significant portions of the 2012 and 2014 seasons, testing his resilience and ability to bounce back.
In 2015, Orakpo signed with the Tennessee Titans, marking a new chapter in his career. With the Titans, he continued to be a force on the field, contributing to the team's defensive strategies. His first season with Tennessee saw him record seven sacks, and he followed up with a career-high of 10.5 sacks in 2016. Orakpo's leadership and experience were instrumental in guiding the Titans' younger players, and he was named to the Pro Bowl once again in 2016.
Throughout his time with the Titans, Orakpo remained a consistent performer, known for his work ethic and ability to adapt to different defensive schemes. His presence on the field was felt not only through his statistics but also through his leadership in the locker room. Orakpo played four seasons with the Titans before announcing his retirement from professional football in December 2018.
Brian Orakpo's career in the NFL was marked by his ability to overcome adversity and maintain a high level of performance.
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