Former Washington linebacker Brian Orakpo recalls his draft day

Brian Orakpo was the No. 13 overall pick for the Washington Football Team back in 2009. The former University of Texas standout played six years with Washington from 2009-14, finishing with 255 tackles and 40 sacks.

After the 2014 season ended, Orakpo signed a long-term deal with the Tennessee Titans, where he spent the final four seasons of his career.

Orakpo recently spoke with Julie Donaldson, Washington’s senior vice president of media and content, and reminisced about his 2009 draft day.

“It was a dream come true,” Orakpo said. “It jump-started my career, being in such a great organization, and it’s something you’ll never forget.”

Orakpo made a splash immediately, starting all 16 games for WFT and tied for the team lead with 11 sacks. He was named to the Pro Bowl team as a rookie. Orakpo would make the Pro Bowl three times during his six seasons in D.C.

Orakpo didn’t originally think he would last until No. 13, something the team didn’t believe either.

“They kept saying it and kept saying it,” Orakpo said, “to where they started to believe it.”

Once Denver picked running back Knowshon Moreno at No. 12, Washington was on the clock, and Orakpo received the call that would change his life.

“I said, ‘That has to be my destination,'” he said. “And then, I got the call with a Virginia area code, and it was all said and done. I was in the Washington franchise. Like I said, it was a dream come true.”

Orakpo would have a solid 10-year NFL career and retired while he still had plenty to give. After his playing career, Orakpo opened a cupcake shop with a former college and NFL teammate and remains thankful for his time in Washington.

“I got instilled into a great scheme, a great organization, a great game plan for myself,” Orakpo said. “It catapulted my career.”