Loran

continued

time with Orr and Unitas was an uplifting experience. They were a potent NFL combination in those days. Orr and wideout Raymond Berry gave Unitas the greatest of confidence in the huddle. He often asked for their suggestions on play calling. He knew they would not steer him wrong. Orr had the surest of hands. He dropped only three passes in his entire career. Millionaire pass receivers drop that many in a single game today.

I saw the Colt Super Bowl in Miami when Baltimore defeated the Cowboys, 16-13, on a 32-yard field goal by Jim O’Brien with three seconds left on the clock. During a time out before the kick, you could see Orr standing beside the young kicker, keeping him calm before he went on the field. After pro football, Orr briefly became a coach. He also was host of the Atlanta Falcon locker room show for a spell. He then spent several years in public relations for a couple of casinos.

He was always keen on coming back to Athenstown where he enjoyed returning to the campus and the famous hedges of Sanford Stadium. He enthusiastically supported the Georgia chapter of the National Football Foundation.

When we hosted dinners for the television networks on Friday nights before home games, Orr was often a guest. He and announcer Verne Lundquist were the most popular dinner guests we have ever had in our home. They were stars who didn’t act like it.

For the record, I have met many super star athletes and personalities, but none as modest and genuine as Orr. He was especial. I loved the man.