Baltimore Ravens Former Offensive Lineman Orlando Brown Dead at 40

Former Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Orlando "Zeus" Brown has been found dead. 

Fire spokesman Battalion Chief Kevin Cartwright said firefighters were called about 11:00 a.m. Friday because Brown was unresponsive at his home near the Inner Harbor. The fire chief confirmed Brown was dead when firefighters arrived.  

A spokesman for the police, Anthony Guglielmi, said that the firefighters contacted the police and there were no signs of trauma or suspicious activity.

Orlando Brown started his career in 1993 with the Cleveland Browns and he finished up his career in 2005 with the Baltimore Ravens.  

Brown is best remembered for shoving official Jeff Triplette in a 1999 game between Cleveland and Jacksonville. Brown was suspended for knocking down Triplette after the official threw a weighted penalty flag that mistakenly struck the massive tackle in the right eye. The 6'7", 350-pounder barrelled onto the field and pushed the referee. 

Brown later said due to the fact his own father suffered from glaucoma he felt compelled to confront the official over the incident. Brown was hospitalized for six days due to the eye injury and eventually sued the NFL to the tune of $200 million, settling the lawsuit for $25 million.  

Due to the injury, he sat out the following three seasons and many have argued it derailed his career. 

The Baltimore Ravens learned of Brown's death today at practice and expressed their condolences through Coach John Harbaugh.  

"We send our condolences to the family of Orlando Brown. Everybody knew what he meant to this organization. We’re forever grateful for what he did for the present team. We can’t express enough sorrow for his loss."

Orlando Brown is divorced and survived by three sons.