Drafted in the 14th round of the 1954 NFL Draft out of South Dakota, Ordell Braase took the scenic route to professional football stardom, working through military service and roster cuts before finally breaking into the Baltimore lineup in 1957. Once he arrived, the patient defensive end proved a master of longevity and technique, evolving from a trusted situational reserve during the Colts’ back-to-back 1958 and 1959 NFL Championship runs into an irreplaceable anchor on the right side of the defensive front.

Braase officially claimed the starting right defensive end spot in 1960, pairing with legendary defensive tackle Art Donovan and Hall of Famer Gino Marchetti to form one of the era’s most formidable pass-rushing fronts. Renowned for his disciplined edge setting and relentless motor, Braase consistently collapsed pockets and stifled sweep runs, serving as an on-field field general for Don Shula’s defense as his career progressed into his mid-30s.

Rather than slowing down with age, Braase saved his individual peak for the twilight of his career. In 1966 and 1967—at ages 34 and 35—he earned consecutive Pro Bowl invitations and Second-Team AP All-Pro honors, standing out as one of the NFL’s premier defensive ends through pure leverage and veteran savvy.

His final professional campaign in 1968 delivered one last team triumph, as Braase anchored a historically dominant Baltimore defense that surrendered just 144 points all season to capture the 1968 NFL Championship and earn a spot in Super Bowl III.

Over his 160 games in Baltimore, Braase had 80 sacks and seven fumble recoveries.