Brian Orakpo
A physically dominant linebacker whose explosive power off the edge earned him four Pro Bowl selections and terrorized NFL quarterbacks for a decade.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American football player·Birthday: July 31·Millennials
Biography
Brian Orakpo arrived in the NFL as a finished product, a sculpted pass-rushing force from the University of Texas where he won the Nagurski and Lombardi trophies as the nation's top defender. The Washington Redskins made him a first-round pick, and he immediately delivered, becoming a defensive centerpiece and a fan favorite for his relentless motor and signature sack celebrations. Injuries, particularly to his pectoral muscles, created frustrating interruptions in Washington, but his production when healthy was undeniable. A fresh start with the Tennessee Titans revived his career, where he formed a formidable duo with Derrick Morgan and continued his Pro Bowl trajectory. Orakpo's game was built on pure strength and a explosive first step, a testament to his legendary work ethic in the weight room that allowed him to bully offensive tackles and maintain a high level of play across ten seasons.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Brian was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Brian Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Brian's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected to the Pro Bowl four times (2009, 2010, 2013, 2016).
- Won both the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Lombardi Award in 2008 as a standout at the University of Texas.
- Recorded 66.0 career sacks over 10 NFL seasons with the Washington Redskins and Tennessee Titans.
- Was a unanimous First-Team All-American in his final collegiate season.
Did You Know?
He was a standout track and field athlete in high school, competing in the shot put and discus.
He founded the Orakpo Family Foundation, which focuses on health and wellness initiatives for children.
He was known for his intense pre-game workouts and is considered one of the strongest players to have played his position.
He majored in Youth and Community Studies at the University of Texas.
“I just love the game. I love competing. I love everything that comes with it.”
