Orlando Brown Jr. - Carving His Own Path to Success
In the NFL, few names are synonymous with dominance on the offensive line as Orlando Brown Jr. With a legacy rooted in the grit and determination passed down from his late father, Orlando “Zeus” Brown, the Cincinnati Bengals star has carved out his own path to success. Recently, we caught up with Brown and he opened up about the challenges of living up to a legendary name, his journey to becoming one of the NFL’s most respected players, and the mindset that keeps him grounded on and off the field. Through it all, he’s never forgotten the values instilled in him—hard work, resilience, and the importance of family.
REYNE HIRSCH (RH): You come from a football legacy—your father was an NFL player. How has your father’s career and influence shaped your approach to the game?
ORLANDO BROWN JR (OB):It had a profound impact on my approach, largely because of how professional he was and the unique, humble way he entered the league. Coming in as essentially a rookie mini-camp invite, working his way onto the team, and eventually earning a starting role—it was truly a “started from the bottom” story. To then go on to have a 13-year career as a pro speaks volumes. The way he took care of his body, his meticulous attention to weight and diet, and his disciplined off-season regimen left a lasting impression on me. Honestly, it influenced my mindset and approach throughout high school, college, and beyond.
RH: Growing up, did you know you wanted to play in the NFL, or were there other sports or interests you considered pursuing?
OB: Growing up, I always knew football was something I wanted to do. You know what’s crazy? My dad actually wouldn’t let me play, so my mom had to sneak me onto the team when I was in second grade. Since she signed me up late—behind my dad’s back—they gave me the number zero. I played in two games before my dad found out, and he didn’t let me go back. I still remember him getting on me about it, saying, “They don’t even care about you—they gave you number zero!” Funny enough, years later, when I was in Baltimore hosting Orlando Brown Jr. Day at my elementary school to give back to my community, I found out they had kept a note card I wrote when I was in second grade. The school had asked us where we thought we’d be in 20 years. At the time, I was playing for the Ravens, and that note card said, “Starting left tackle for the Baltimore Ravens.” It’s wild to think that, even at seven years old, I already knew. When I couldn’t play football as a kid, I actually played the tuba—I stuck with it until I was 13. But let’s be honest, I never thought I was going to be a professional tuba player. For me, it was always football.
RH: You played college football at Oklahoma, a powerhouse program. What did you learn from your time there that prepared you for the NFL?
OB: There’s so much to reflect on, but beyond football, it was the relationships I built with the guys I came into college with—the ones who made it and the ones who didn’t—that truly stood out. Those connections gave me a deep appreciation for just how challenging it is to reach this point in life, let alone to get drafted. While I obviously learned a great deal about the sport itself, the experience taught me even more about life. That perspective shaped my approach to the game, something I’ve also drawn heavily from my dad’s guidance.
RH: You’ve played both left and right tackle in the NFL. How do you approach the mental and physical adjustments required to switch between these positions?
OB: Switching sides is incredibly challenging. The best way to explain it is this: I’m left-handed, so I naturally fight in a southpaw stance. Asking me to switch is like asking you to fight in the opposite stance—it completely disrupts your nervous system, timing, balance, and everything in between. For me, the adjustment was tough, especially since I had never played right tackle before joining the Ravens.
RH: You’ve made an incredible transition from being drafted by the Ravens to playing for the Chiefs and now the Bengals. How has each of those experiences shaped you as a player?
OB: In the craziest ways. Coming into Baltimore as a rookie in 2018 was a wild ride. I was lucky to be part of an absolutely stacked rookie class—me, Mark Andrews, Lamar Jackson—just a bunch of young guys figuring out the league together. We weren’t just learning plays; we were learning the NFL, the system, the business, everything. It was a crash course in being a pro, and it was a very special experience. But then I got drafted home and got traded to Kansas City because I am a left tackle, I knew I was a left tackle. And The Ravens had just paid Ronnie Stanley, so if I wanted to play my position, it had to be somewhere else. I had the film, two Pro Bowls under my belt, so I bet on myself, requested a trade, and landed in Kansas City.
And man, that was a blessing. Playing for the Chiefs? Unreal. Blocking for Pat Mahomes, going to Pro Bowls, winning a Super Bowl, sharing the field with legends like Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Tyrann Mathieu, and Chris Jones—all these special players. My experience in Kansas City for those two years was the most growth that I have made as an adult just because it gave me the ability to see guys, not only that are great players but good men. People that love the sport, know how to attack and have been playing at a high level- Literally hall-of-famers. Being able to truly study them, how they prepared, how they handled business on and off the field—even from a PR and marketing perspective—I soaked it all in. Everything I learned in those years I’ve carried with me to Cincinnati. And now, I feel like my career is about to take off in ways I never imagined. The grind, the lessons, the journey—it’s all led me here. And I’m just getting started.
RH: When you’re off the field, how do you like to unwind and relax?
OB: I truly enjoy spending quality time with my kids and family to unwind. It might sound a bit unexpected, but I genuinely love watching football—whether it’s catching a game now and then or even diving into a football video game. I’m also passionate about fishing; when I lived in Baltimore, it was my favorite pastime and a go-to way to relax.
RH: Off the field, you’re known for your viral mini-mic interviews on social media. How did this all begin?”
OB: The mini mic interviews actually started in Kansas City. I approached our PR and Social Media teams with the idea of showcasing the personalities of the guys in the locker room, as most people don’t get to see the real us. At the time, we were on a winning streak, and I felt like the narratives being written about us, particularly the players, were completely off. I saw this as a great opportunity to have some fun with my teammates, but also to let the world see that we aren’t just football players. Some of us have a sense of humor and can be a little silly. To me, it’s always been about highlighting my teammates’ personalities and getting to know them in a more authentic way.
RH: The NFL has increasingly emphasized mental health for players. How do you personally manage the mental and emotional demands of the game?
OB: Yes, it’s really tough, but for me, football has always served as an emotional outlet. When this chapter is over, I’ll need to find another way to cope. Football has been a constant in my life, always there when I’ve needed it most. I’ve used it to release mental stress, emotional anxieties, anger, frustrations, happiness, and sadness. It’s a bit bittersweet, but I’ve learned from both of my parents to emotionally compartmentalize my feelings—those things I experience off the field—and channel them into my sport, whether in the weight room or during workouts. Surprisingly, football has always been my stress relief. It’s hard for football to stress me out, if that makes sense. I use it as an opportunity to let go of my stress.
RH: I lived on Observatory in Hyde Park (Cincinnati, OH) many years ago. It’s great to see you’ve opened a business there. Tell us about it.
OB: Hammer & Nails is a premium male grooming service that doubles as a cigar lounge and bar, offering a unique opportunity to unwind with a drink and a cigar while enjoying a pedicure, facial, or haircut. I’m a firm believer in self-care, and I think it’s a true luxury to carve out time for complete relaxation. For me, indulging in a pedicure or facial is exactly what self-care is all about.
RH: You are an advocate for Type 1 Diabetes research. Why are you so passionate about this?
OB: There are many reasons, but to keep it brief: my brother was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was eight and I was nine. My grandmother passed away due to complications from type 1, and my father also passed when I was 15, along with my grandfather. It’s clearly a part of my family’s genetic history. I’ve witnessed the stress it’s caused my family, especially my mom, who constantly monitors my brother’s blood sugar levels and worries about the foods in the house. For me, experiencing these challenges firsthand makes it deeply personal. I advocate for those affected by this condition so they know they have a voice.
RH: The NFL has taken note and has nominated you for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. What would that mean to you to be the 2024 Man of the Year?
OB: It would truly mean a lot to me if I was named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. It’s a goal I set for myself, but for a very meaningful reason. I want those who are living with Type 1, and those who are surrounded by it, to know that they’re not alone and that it doesn’t have to define them in a negative way. Unfortunately, Type 1 diabetes is often viewed negatively, and I want to help shift that narrative. I believe it would make a real difference to those who are facing it every day.
RH: When people look back on your career, how do you want to be remembered, both as a player and as a person?
OB: Ultimately, I play the game for myself, but when it comes to my legacy, I just want to be respected. I want to be remembered as one of the greatest left tackles to ever play the game. I’m committed to putting in the work, and I will keep doing so. When people think of Orlando Brown Jr., I want them to remember a tough, physical player who loves the game and works relentlessly. A true leader! And beyond the field, a loving father, and one day a devoted husband.
Continue following Brown’s journey: Instagram @zeus__57 and TikTok @obrownjr
Who Dey? Orlando Brown – let’s show them how it’s done!
