Don Orr
Donald C. Orr was an American football player and official.[1]
| Vanderbilt Commodores – No. 10 | |
|---|---|
| Position | Quarterback |
| Class | Graduate |
| Career history | |
| College | Vanderbilt (1955) |
| Bowl games | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Vanderbilt University
Orr was a prominent quarterback for the Vanderbilt Commodores football teams of Vanderbilt University.[1]
1955
Orr led Vanderbilt to its first bowl victory by defeating Auburn 25 to 13 in the 1955 Gator Bowl. He was selected Vanderbilt's MVP of the game, and received a standing ovation upon getting the award.[2][3] Vandy's first two scores were a pass Orr to Joe Stephenson and a run by Orr respectively.[4]
NFL draft
He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 26th round of the 1956 NFL Draft; but he never talked to the team.[1]
Official
Orr was a prominent National Football League (NFL) official for 25 seasons, from 1971 through 1995,[3] serving as a field judge in three Super Bowls.[1] He wore uniform number 77 for the majority of his NFL career. He is also famous for missing a touchdown catch by the Houston Oiler's Mike Renfro during the 1980 AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburg Steelers. The eventual call of incomplete helped cement the Steeler's victory. This missed call is credited for ushering instant replay into the NFL.
Contracting
Orr is recently chairman of the board of Nashville Machine Co., a mechanical contracting company.[5]
References
- Bill Traughber (November 9, 2011). "Don Orr: Vandy QB to NFL official".
- National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). "Bowl/All-Star Game Records: Most Valuable Players in Former Major Bowls" (PDF). 2011 NCAA Division I Football Records. NCAA.org. p. 96. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
- Bill Traughber (2011). Vanderbilt Football:Tales Of Commodore Gridiron History. p. 128. ISBN 9781609494230.
- "December 31st, 1955" (PDF).
- "Where Are They Now?".