Orlando Brown an intriguing story about an intriguing player

I'll admit while I remember Orlando Brown Sr. Playing for the Ravens, up until a very interesting video by KTO on YouTube I learned a few things, and then after reading some stories surrounding Brown it became apparent he was much too interesting not to write about. Orlando Brown was a mammoth player, standing 6'7 and 360 lbs, eventually earning the nickname Zeus. He went to a smaller college in South Carolina State, and played tackle, however despite his size, he flew under the radar, but was signed as an undrafted free agent in 1993 by the Cleveland Browns. 

Even though Brown was an undrafted rookie he suited up for 14 games and started 8. He would go on to follow the franchise from Cleveland to Baltimore when they relocated. Spending 3 more years with the franchise, before signing with the Cleveland Browns becoming one of only 2 players to ever play for the modern Browns, and the Current Ravens when they were the Browns. This was Brown's 7th season in the league after 5 straight years of starting 16 games the expectation was that Zeus would simply start every game and provide a rock at RT. However that would all change during a game in 1999 thanks to a false start penalty. 

While starting the final game of the season for the expansion Browns, Orlando Brown was struck in the eye with the penalty flag after Jeff Triplett threw the flag. This would ultimately result in Brown being enraged at Triplett, pushing him to the ground before being restrained by team mates. At first this action resulted in a fine, and suspension. That was until the NFL discovered the flag had actually caused Brown to be hospitalized with swelling, bleeding, and loss of vision in his right eye. Doctors were forced to limit his physical activities, and use several techniques to help relieve the pain from the damage to his eye. However for 3 years Brown was declared legally blind. This happened on December 19th 1999, he would not return to the NFL until September 7th 2003. Nearly 3 full years, on top of that the Browns released him after the 2001 season nixing a $27 million contract. Of course Brown would go on to sue the NFL, and settle for around $25 million. 

The 2003 season rolled around, and Brown decided to return from retirement now that he had regained vision in his eye. What better team to return to than the team that had signed him 9 years ago? Brown signed with the Baltimore Ravens, where he would finish out his career spending from 2003-2005 with the team before being released and ultimately calling it quits for good. During the 2003 season the Ravens actually started Brown at offensive tackle, and defensive tackle. He was 33 years old playing a position for the first time on record since high school. He would only log 2 tackles, but still inspiring nonetheless. However after 2005 despite keeping close ties to Ravens players he never made the jump into coaching despite what could have been a solid option for him considering his son Orlando Brown Jr. would go on to be a first round pick by none other than the Baltimore Ravens. I'm sure most football nerds like me were hoping this would come full circle like it has but I don't think anyone was counting on it. 

But this is the Orlando Brown story we are talking about so of course it ended as interestingly as it began.