Former Pro Bowl wide receiver Jimmy Orr passes away at age 85

Jimmy Orr (Google Images)

According to the Associated Press on Wednesday, former National Football League Pro Bowl receiver Jimmy Orr of Seneca, South Carolina passed away at the age of 85. Orr played three seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1958 to 1960, and then 10 seasons with the Baltimore Colts from 1961 to 1970.

Orr played 149 regular season games and had 400 catches for 7914 yards and 66 touchdowns. He also had 15 rushes for 122 yards, and 59 punts for 2325 yards.

During the majority of Orr’s playing career, a receiver was known as a flanker back, and Orr was one of the very best at his position in the NFL. Where Orr generated the majority of his fame was in his ability to catch long passes and run.

Thrice Orr led the NFL in yards per reception. He had 27.6 yards per catch in his rookie 1958 season with the Steelers. In 1964, Orr had a NFL-high 21.7 yards per catch with the Colts, and in 1968 had 25.6 yards per catch with Baltimore. Also in 1958, Orr was the NFL Rookie of the Year. That season he caught 33 passes for 910 yards and seven touchdowns, and had 51 punts for 2023 yards. In a magical 38-21 Steelers win over the Chicago Cardinals on December 13, 1958, Orr set the Steelers franchise rookie record for most receiving yards in a game with 205.

Twice Orr was selected to the Pro Bowl. The first time was in 1959 with Pittsburgh as he had 35 catches for 604 yards and five touchdowns. The second time was in 1965 (when he also an all-Pro) with Baltimore as he had 45 catches for 847 yards and 10 touchdowns.

In 1970, Orr retired as a Super Bowl champion. In Super Bowl V, the Colts defeated the Dallas Cowboys 16-13.

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