Chris Orr (American football)

Chris Orr (born June 17, 1997) is an American football coach and former linebacker who is the linebackers coach for Jackson State. He played for the Wisconsin Badgers in college and for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He also played for the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League (USFL).

Early years
During his career at DeSoto High School, Orr had 374 total tackles, 13 forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and three defensive TDs.

College career
During his first season with Wisconsin, Orr played in 10 games and made six starts. In those games, he registered 46 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and had 0.5 sacks. During his second season with Wisconsin, Orr appeared in one game and made one start, but he suffered a season-ending torn ACL on his first defensive snap of the season. During his third season with Wisconsin, Orr played in 12 games and made eight starts. In those games, he made 36 total tackles, three tackles for loss, had two sacks, and had one interception. During his junior season at Wisconsin, Orr played in all 13 games and made one start. In those games, he had 27 tackles, one tackle for loss, two fumble recoveries and one interception. He also won the team's Special Teams Player of the Year award during this season.

During his senior season at Wisconsin, Orr played in and started all 14 games. In those games, as a team captain, he had 78 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. He also had eight quarterback hurries, broke up five passes and forced two fumbles. His 11.5 sacks during this season were the most in a season by an inside/middle linebacker in school history, and he helped lead his team to a single-season school record 51 sacks as a team.

Carolina Panthers
Orr went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. On April 30, 2020, Orr was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent. He was waived on September 5, 2020, and signed to the practice squad the next day. He was elevated to the active roster on October 3 and November 14 for the team's weeks 4 and 10 games against the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and reverted to the practice squad after each game. He was signed to the active roster on November 21, 2020. Orr was waived on December 12, 2020, and re-signed to the practice squad three days later. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Panthers on January 4, 2021. He was waived on May 24, 2021.

New Jersey Generals
Orr was drafted by the New Jersey Generals in the 21st round of the 2022 USFL draft. He was transferred to the team's inactive roster on May 20, 2022, with a knee injury.

Orr re-signed with the Generals on July 14, 2023. The Generals folded when the XFL and USFL merged to create the United Football League (UFL).

Birmingham Stallions
On January 5, 2024, Orr was selected by the Birmingham Stallions during the 2024 UFL dispersal draft. He was placed on the retired list on March 13, 2024.

Coaching career
Before Orr was drafted by the New Jersey Generals, he was the Wisconsin Director of Player Development.

On May 1, 2024, Orr was hired to be the linebackers coach for Jackson State.

Personal life
Orr's father is two-time Super Bowl champion and former Washington Redskins tight end Terry Orr. His two brothers, Zach and Nick, also played professional football. Zach is the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.