04-26-2024, 08:48 AM
(This post was last modified: 04-30-2024, 11:38 AM by wetwilleh. Edited 1 time in total.)
Jamie Orion and the Sarasota Sailfish came to a formal agreement yesterday on an extension that will keep the safety on the team for, presumably, the remainder of his playing days. The new contract covers 9 years with a consistent $4M payday and runs through the S56 season, though there is a mutual option built in should either party choose to reconsider at a later date. Currently there seems to be little chance of that occurring, at least in the short term, and Orion was all smiles at the resulting press conference.
“I am very excited to have this contract in place and affirm my commitment to this team and this city,” he said in some brief remarks before taking questions. “The Sarasota Sailfish franchise has been very good to me, and I have worked hard to not just fulfill the obligations of my contract, but to give my very best to the team.”
The boost in pay will give Orion the chance to improve upon the play he’s put on the field in his first four seasons. A quiet and studious player, Orion generally prefers to let his gameplay do the talking for him. So far he’s completed his required media appearances, but doesn’t have the huge media presence (via commercials, interviews, etc) of other players with his draft position and level of play.
Asked if he thought the lack of revenue has held him back, Orion was unfazed. “I find that I’m at my best when my life is in balance. Right now I’m focused on football, and in the rare moments I’m not, I’m recharging so I can focus on football again. That principle has allowed me, I believe, to play at my absolute highest level. So I don’t have any regrets about the path I’ve chosen.”
Orion has certainly made the most of his short time in the professional football world. After being chosen 2nd overall in the S43 DSFL draft, he won an Ultimini with the Portland Pythons, going 11-3 in regular season and dominating in the playoffs. He was drafted in the 1st round (7th overall) by the Sarasota Sailfish, and started at strong safety alongside their previous 1st round pick Spruce Willis. In two seasons he recorded 122 tackles, 18 defended passes, 10 sacks, 5 turnovers, and a safety. The team made the playoffs both years, and even played in the S45 Ultimus, losing a heartbreaker in overtime to the Austin Copperheads.
Starting in S46 he was moved to free safety, with Spruce Willis going to cornerback. In the nearly two seasons since the switch he’s notched another 113 tackles, 24 defended passes, 1 sack, 4 turnovers, and his first defensive touchdown. The team made the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year (losing another game in overtime, this time the wild card round to the Yellowknife Wraiths), but fell off this year with a current record of 6-9. It will be Orion’s first season in the pros without a postseason appearance.
Despite the team’s difficulties this year, Orion is excited about the future of the franchise. “No one stays on top forever, but I’m grateful for the success we’ve had so far and I have confidence in the leadership that they can get us back there. In the meantime, I’m doing everything I can to help this team win.”
With this deal in place, fans can expect Orion’s star to remain fixed in the sky above Sarasota for a long time to come.
“I am very excited to have this contract in place and affirm my commitment to this team and this city,” he said in some brief remarks before taking questions. “The Sarasota Sailfish franchise has been very good to me, and I have worked hard to not just fulfill the obligations of my contract, but to give my very best to the team.”
The boost in pay will give Orion the chance to improve upon the play he’s put on the field in his first four seasons. A quiet and studious player, Orion generally prefers to let his gameplay do the talking for him. So far he’s completed his required media appearances, but doesn’t have the huge media presence (via commercials, interviews, etc) of other players with his draft position and level of play.
Asked if he thought the lack of revenue has held him back, Orion was unfazed. “I find that I’m at my best when my life is in balance. Right now I’m focused on football, and in the rare moments I’m not, I’m recharging so I can focus on football again. That principle has allowed me, I believe, to play at my absolute highest level. So I don’t have any regrets about the path I’ve chosen.”
Orion has certainly made the most of his short time in the professional football world. After being chosen 2nd overall in the S43 DSFL draft, he won an Ultimini with the Portland Pythons, going 11-3 in regular season and dominating in the playoffs. He was drafted in the 1st round (7th overall) by the Sarasota Sailfish, and started at strong safety alongside their previous 1st round pick Spruce Willis. In two seasons he recorded 122 tackles, 18 defended passes, 10 sacks, 5 turnovers, and a safety. The team made the playoffs both years, and even played in the S45 Ultimus, losing a heartbreaker in overtime to the Austin Copperheads.
Starting in S46 he was moved to free safety, with Spruce Willis going to cornerback. In the nearly two seasons since the switch he’s notched another 113 tackles, 24 defended passes, 1 sack, 4 turnovers, and his first defensive touchdown. The team made the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year (losing another game in overtime, this time the wild card round to the Yellowknife Wraiths), but fell off this year with a current record of 6-9. It will be Orion’s first season in the pros without a postseason appearance.
Despite the team’s difficulties this year, Orion is excited about the future of the franchise. “No one stays on top forever, but I’m grateful for the success we’ve had so far and I have confidence in the leadership that they can get us back there. In the meantime, I’m doing everything I can to help this team win.”
With this deal in place, fans can expect Orion’s star to remain fixed in the sky above Sarasota for a long time to come.