Former Ravens T Orlando Brown dies

Owings Mills, MD – Orlando Brown, a former tackle for Baltimore and Cleveland, has died at the age of 40.

According to the Baltimore Sun, Brown was found dead Friday at his Baltimore home. A police spokesperson told the paper there were no signs of foul play or suspicious activity.

Brown, a physically imposing tackle nicknamed "Zeus," finished his playing career with Baltimore in 2005. He played in six seasons (1996-98, 2003-05) for the Ravens, starting 80 of 84 games played.

Baltimore City Police told the team about his death Friday afternoon.

"He's one of the greatest men I know -- really a gentle giant away from the game," said Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who added he saw Brown just a few days ago. "He was the original Raven. He set the tone for how we were going to play tough and physical, backing down from no opponent."

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said Brown was still involved with the team, working with some of its young players.

"What he did for the present team, that's just who he is as a person and who he's been," Harbaugh said. "I just can't express our sorrow enough, on behalf of our team and our organization, for his loss today."

Brown attended South Carolina State University and signed with the Cleveland Browns as a rookie free agent in 1993. He played three seasons with Cleveland (1994-95, 1999), starting 39 of 45 games, but missed three years after suffering an eye injury after accidentally being struck by a penalty flag.