RIP Zeus

I was stunned to hear that former Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Orlando Brown was dead at his home. He was only 40.

Nicknamed Zeus due to his immense size, 6'7" 360-lbs, and strength, Brown was universally loved as a gentle giant. He brilliantly navigated the often challenging path from off-field teddy bear to on-field beast. His NFL career was unique to say the least. He signed with the original Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent from South Carolina St. in 1993. Not only did he face the typical challenge of being an undrafted free agent, he was also switching positions from defensive to offensive line. His coach with the Browns, Bill Belichick, says that he improved more than any player that he had ever coached. Brown moved with the team when the Browns bolted Cleveland for Baltimore and became the Ravens. By this time, he'd become one of the best tackles in the league. Nice accomplishment for an undrafted defensive lineman. In 1999, Brown returned to Cleveland with the new Browns. I believe this made Orlando Brown the only player to play for the old and new Browns with the Ravens in between. 1999 also found him in the national spotlight when referee Jeff Triplette hit him in the eye with a penalty flag. When he charged Triplette and knocked him to the ground, Brown was the one that was punished. The flag caused severe vision problems and nearly cost him his career. He was finally able to return to the field with the Ravens in 2003. At least it changed forever the manner in which league officials threw the little yellow weapons.

Orlando Brown never stopped working. Against all odds, he became an excellent football player. He was a fantastic teammate, inspiring the likes of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. He even made a culinary impact when he opened the first Fatburger franchise in Maryland. Orlando Brown passed far too soon. The Flea Flicker sends sincere condolences to Brown's family and friends.

RIP Zeus