Former Lamar Player Giving Back
Lamar High School’s Class of 2004 alumni and football star, Brian Orakpo, returned on Saturday, August 10, 2024, to tour the weight room made possible by his funding. Lamar and the Lamar Alumni Association celebrated his outstanding accomplishments and the inspiration he brings to our community.
While at Lamar, Orakpo was a two-time first team all-district defensive end, two-time all greater Houston selection, and had 27 sacks. During his college years at The University of Texas, he was a standout defensive player and won prestigious awards. These included the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Lombardi Award, Ted Hendricks Award, and Bill Willis Trophy. A unanimous first-team all-American, he was also the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. Known for his strength, he was ESPN’s Top Workout Warrior. Orakpo played 47 college games, recording 132 tackles, 22 sacks, and was instrumental in the team’s 2005 National Championship win. In the 2009 NFL draft, Orakpo was selected 13thoverall by the Washington Redskins. This was the beginning of his distinguished linebacker 10-year NFL career. Orakpo also played for the Tennessee Titans. His NFL career earned him four Pro Bowl selections and posted 423 tackles and 66 sacks. Orakpo is a new inductee into the HISD Athletic Hall of Honor.
About Lamar High School Alumni Association: One of very few such high school associations in Texas and nationwide, Lamar High School Alumni Association (LHSAA), was established as a 501(c)3 in 1998 to serve the needs of Lamar’s present-day students. Thanks to the generosity of Lamar alumni, LHSAA is bridging the funding gap and helping to shape the school’s educational landscape. LHSAA supports the school by investing in student success, sustaining educational excellence, enhancing campus facilities, and fueling scholarships for future leaders.