Ravens Linebacker to Retire at Age 24

OWINGS MILLS, MD — Linebacker Zachary Orr announced Friday that he would be retiring from the Ravens since he was diagnosed with a congenital condition that could have prevented him from playing football his whole life.

Orr, 24, was diagnosed with a congenital back/spine condition after an injury during the week 16 Ravens-Steelers game, according to the BaltimoreRavens.com. The condition involves him not having a fully formed upper vertebra.

“I’m really just blessed and thankful that we were able to find this problem,” Orr said in a statement. “The doctors and Ravens medical staff probably ended up saving my life..."

Next, Orr is hoping to continue his career in football as a coach, something the Ravens are reportedly open to exploring.

"He’s highly intelligent and as hard a worker as you’re ever going to see," head coach John Harbaugh said. "Never, ever has a negative or disparaging word for anything or anybody. All he does is just come in and just work as hard as he can to be his best ... take care of his teammates, and do everything he can to help the team."

Continued Harbaugh: "I’m just very proud that he’s been a Raven, very proud to call him a friend, and I can’t wait to see what the next door holds for Zach Orr."

Patch file photo.