You May Exhale: Brian Orakpo Agrees To Terms [Updated]
The Redskins have agreed to terms with first-round draft pick Brian Orakpo. Orakpo is expected to join the team at Redskins Park on Friday, his 23rd birthday. Crisis averted, all draft picks ready to go.
See you all at 8:30 tomorrow morning -- an estimated 5,000 people attended today, and I'm looking forward to seeing how many show up tomorrow.
UPDATE: Now with some of Orakpo's comments from last night, after the jump.
See you all at 8:30 tomorrow morning -- an estimated 5,000 people attended today, and I'm looking forward to seeing how many show up tomorrow.
UPDATE: Now with some of Orakpo's comments from last night, after the jump.
On where he was when he got the news:
"Actually, I was having a little birthday dinner in Austin with my fiancé at a sushi restaurant. I got word about it while I was eating a California roll and I kind of dropped it on the floor and I was all excited. It will be a funny story to tell my teammates."
On his thoughts now that he has agreed to terms:
"Oh man, I'm relieved. This was more nerve-wracking than actually being drafted. You really want to get in because you know your teammates are there working and you want to get in to get started to have a miraculous season. Finally I am back. The whole roster is there, the whole roster is working and everybody can all be on the same page and make this run."
On how excited he is to get started:
"I'm very excited. Obviously, I want to get in as fast as I can because I am learning a new position as the strongside linebacker and I'm very optimistic about the whole process. During OTAs and mini-camps, I thought I did pretty well. The coaches were very impressed with what I brought to the table, and at the same time, I can do what I do best: get on the edge whenever the different packages put me in to do that."
On his thoughts on the team, defense and coaching staff:
"My overall thoughts are very optimistic. I really feel I have great teammates. They really guided me and showed me the ropes during the days that I've been there so far. I'm very comfortable with my situation and they're very comfortable with me as well. Also, I want to go in there and earn the respect from the guys. When we put on these pads, I feel like these coaches have just been phenomenal, starting with Coach Zorn. He's a guy that really lets us be us and really cares for us as human beings instead of just football players and I really respect that in him. My coaches, Coach [Kirk] Olivadotti and Coach [Greg] Blache, they've been great showing me the ropes, teaching me the plays and letting me be me being productive on the field and doing my best."
On what he will do next year for his 24th birthday:
"That's a good question. I am not a guy who looks into the future. Who knows? We'll have a great season and have a lot to celebrate."
"Actually, I was having a little birthday dinner in Austin with my fiancé at a sushi restaurant. I got word about it while I was eating a California roll and I kind of dropped it on the floor and I was all excited. It will be a funny story to tell my teammates."
On his thoughts now that he has agreed to terms:
"Oh man, I'm relieved. This was more nerve-wracking than actually being drafted. You really want to get in because you know your teammates are there working and you want to get in to get started to have a miraculous season. Finally I am back. The whole roster is there, the whole roster is working and everybody can all be on the same page and make this run."
On how excited he is to get started:
"I'm very excited. Obviously, I want to get in as fast as I can because I am learning a new position as the strongside linebacker and I'm very optimistic about the whole process. During OTAs and mini-camps, I thought I did pretty well. The coaches were very impressed with what I brought to the table, and at the same time, I can do what I do best: get on the edge whenever the different packages put me in to do that."
On his thoughts on the team, defense and coaching staff:
"My overall thoughts are very optimistic. I really feel I have great teammates. They really guided me and showed me the ropes during the days that I've been there so far. I'm very comfortable with my situation and they're very comfortable with me as well. Also, I want to go in there and earn the respect from the guys. When we put on these pads, I feel like these coaches have just been phenomenal, starting with Coach Zorn. He's a guy that really lets us be us and really cares for us as human beings instead of just football players and I really respect that in him. My coaches, Coach [Kirk] Olivadotti and Coach [Greg] Blache, they've been great showing me the ropes, teaching me the plays and letting me be me being productive on the field and doing my best."
On what he will do next year for his 24th birthday:
"That's a good question. I am not a guy who looks into the future. Who knows? We'll have a great season and have a lot to celebrate."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-31-2009 @ 5:58AM
lizkauai said...
Finally!
I AM READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!
Reply
7-31-2009 @ 7:20AM
Bill Johnson said...
Matt,
Keep up the good work. It's very clear that Mike Florio is jealous that you got the scoop ahead of him again!!! I read it here first, and then saw his negative comments on PFT. You are just doing your job and keeping Redskins Nation in the loop.
Best,
Bill
Reply
7-31-2009 @ 10:58AM
punchdaclock said...
Who is Mike Florio ???? Is he a unsigned free agent....???
Reply
7-31-2009 @ 3:19PM
sullivantimothy40 said...
HEY MATT just want you to know you are appreciated by me brother, cant be there at TC because i live in Columbus,Ohio pockets not that fat this year But thanks for bringing me to the field my man. Much Love To The Skins Good Luck and SCALP!em ALL HAIL YEA.................
Reply
8-03-2009 @ 12:00AM
mahdymahd26 said...
I just want to say congrats to Phillip Daniels, welcome back healthy! And Holy Moley. He looks like a super hero!! LOL. Defensive prediction #1 in the NFL.
Reply