BY JEFF FALK
No one likes to be let go by their employer. But when that employer isn’t all that great to work for, well let’s just say it makes the parting of the ways a bit less difficult.
Lebanon’s Jared Odrick was recently released by the Jacksonville Jaguars, one of the least successful franchises in the NFL. Odrick seemed to take the news very well.
The former Penn State and Lebanon High standout signed a five-year, $42.5 million contract with the Jaguars on March 15, 2015. Odrick was nagged by a couple of injuries in 2016, including one to his shoulder that ended his second season with the Jaguars.
Jacksonville went 3-13 in 2016.
Odrick competed in only six games for Jacksonville this past season, recording 12 total tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Prior to this year, the 29-year-old Odrick had appeared in every game for the Jaguars and Miami Dolphins, over the last five seasons.
Oakland, New England, Detroit, the New York Giants and Denver are believed to be interested in signing the now free agent. The 6-5, 295-pound’s versatility along the defensive line makes him valuable to NFL suitors.
It will be interesting to see how many more professional football seasons the outgoing and outspoken Odrick has left in him. Odrick has been looking beyond his playing days over the past few seasons, entertaining an infinity for acting and producing films.
After a stellar career at Penn State, Odrick was selected by Miami with the 28th overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft. Odrick spent five seasons with the Dolphins before signing with Jacksonville.
As a Nittany Lion, Odrick was named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. Following his senior season at Lebanon, Odrick competed in the Big 33 Classic in Hershey and the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas.
In 187 career NFL games, Odrick has compiled 170 tackles, 22.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and an interception of Tom Brady.