OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Ravens linebacker Zachary Orr, a former standout at DeSoto and North Texas, announced his retirement Friday after learning he has a congenital spinal condition.
The 24-year-old Orr led the Ravens this season with 132 tackles. He joined Baltimore in 2014 as an undrafted free agent out of North Texas and stepped into a starting role this year, playing the middle linebacker position once held by Ray Lewis and Daryl Smith.
Orr hurt his neck on Christmas Day in a game against Pittsburgh and missed the season finale against Cincinnati. An examination revealed he had a herniated disc, but further tests showed a deeper problem.