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Zach Orr ends comeback attempt, retires again due to spinal condition

Evan Habeeb / USA TODAY Sports

Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Zach Orr announced Friday he will again retire from the NFL after a brief comeback attempt.

On The Players' Tribune, Orr explained he's hanging up his cleats for good this time after finding no team willing to take a risk on him due to the spinal condition that first forced him to retire in January.

"Today, I'm officially retiring from professional football … again," Orr wrote. "And I'm even more at peace this time around because the teams have spoken. If there was any way I could come back, I would.

"Now, I know that's not possible."

In the emotional statement, Orr revealed he visited with six teams - including the Ravens - and spoke with 11 others, but was unable to be medically cleared.

Orr has a weakened C-1 vertebra, a herniated disc, and a potentially damaged spinal cord. While some teams were OK with one issue, none were willing to accept the combination of risks with Orr's back, he wrote.

The 25-year-old paid tribute to the Ravens organization, expressing his gratitude for the team giving him a shot as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2014.

"We have a saying in Baltimore: Once a Raven, always a Raven," Orr wrote. "Well, I wanted to end my career as a Raven. And even though it didn't happen the way I envisioned, I've done that. I wish it didn't have to end like this. I wish it didn't have to end after I had just had the best season of my life. I mean, I was an undrafted free agent out of North Texas who came in and in his third season, led the Ravens' defense - the Ravens' defense - in tackles. That in itself was a dream come true.

"But it’s just bad timing. Sometimes, that's how life goes. I believe everything happens for a reason, and I'm excited for the next chapter of my life, whatever that may bring.

"I'm just thankful that the Ravens gave me the opportunity to show people the kind of player I could be before it was all over."

Orr looked set for stardom after a hugely impressive 2016 season in which he racked up 132 total tackles, three interceptions, and one forced fumble.

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