Orbin Love is best known today as the father of NFL quarterback Jordan Love, but his own life included decades of public service, family responsibilities, church involvement, and a strong interest in sports. His influence became an important part of Jordan Love’s story long before Jordan reached professional football.
Orbin Clarence Love Jr. lived in Bakersfield, California, where he worked for the Bakersfield Police Department. He was also deeply involved in his children’s lives and encouraged Jordan to develop as a quarterback from a young age.
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Who Was Orbin Love?
Orbin Clarence Love Jr. was born on July 29, 1961. He became a police officer and spent much of his adult life serving the Bakersfield community.
Outside his police career, Orbin was a husband and father of four children. He was married to Anna Love, and their children were Kami, Emily, Jordan, and Alexis. His family and faith were important parts of his life.
Orbin Love’s Career as a Police Sergeant
Orbin Love spent approximately 27 years with the Bakersfield Police Department. During his career, he worked as an officer, detective, and sergeant.
People who worked with him remembered him for his calm personality. According to an extensive profile published by the NFL, fellow officers also knew about his strong belief that Jordan could one day become an excellent quarterback.
Work Outside Law Enforcement
Orbin was also active at Fellowship Baptist Church. His obituary described him as a church member, Sunday school teacher, and youth pastor.
These roles show that his work with younger people extended beyond his own family. Public records describe both community service and religious involvement as important parts of his life.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Orbin Clarence Love Jr. |
| Born | July 29, 1961 |
| Died | July 13, 2013 |
| Age at death | 51 |
| Residence associated with him | Bakersfield, California |
| Profession | Police officer, detective and sergeant |
| Police service | About 27 years |
| Wife | Anna Love |
| Children | Kami, Emily, Jordan and Alexis |
| Known for today | Father of Jordan Love |
Orbin Love and His Family
Orbin Love and Anna Love raised four children in Bakersfield. Jordan was their only son, alongside his three sisters.
Law enforcement was an important part of the family. While Orbin worked for the Bakersfield Police Department, Anna worked in law enforcement with the California Highway Patrol.
Was Orbin Love Jordan Love’s Father?
Yes. Orbin Love was the father of Jordan Love, the quarterback who later became a first-round NFL Draft selection and a starter for the Green Bay Packers.
Jordan has spoken publicly about the close relationship he had with his father. Orbin was not simply a parent watching from the sidelines. He regularly practiced sports with Jordan and became involved in his teams.
How Orbin Love Influenced Jordan Love’s Football Career
Football was one of the strongest connections between Orbin and Jordan Love. Orbin had played quarterback in high school before playing running back at Bakersfield College.
He believed Jordan had the potential to become a quarterback even when Jordan himself was less certain. When Jordan participated in youth sports, Orbin often became an assistant coach so he could take a more active role in his development.
Orbin Love’s Belief in Jordan
Jordan was not immediately viewed as an obvious future NFL quarterback. According to the NFL’s profile of the family, he entered high school at about 5 feet 6 inches and initially served as a backup quarterback.
Orbin nevertheless continued telling friends and fellow police officers that his son could become a successful quarterback. That confidence later became especially meaningful because Orbin did not live long enough to see Jordan reach college football or the NFL.
What Happened to Orbin Love?
Orbin Love died on July 13, 2013, at the age of 51. Jordan was 14 years old at the time.
Reliable reporting states that Orbin died by suicide. His family later discussed unusual changes in his behavior that occurred after changes to his blood-pressure medication. However, it is important not to present medication as a medically proven direct cause of his death; his family’s belief about its role was based on what they observed.
How His Death Affected Jordan Love
Losing his father had a major effect on Jordan. Shortly after Orbin’s death, Jordan considered quitting football.
His mother, Anna, encouraged him not to make a permanent decision while dealing with fresh grief. She asked him to continue playing for another season and then decide whether he still wanted to stop.
Jordan continued, won the starting quarterback position on his junior varsity team, and began developing confidence in his ability. That decision eventually became a major turning point in his football career.
Orbin Love’s Legacy Through Jordan Love
Orbin never saw Jordan become a college quarterback at Utah State or enter the NFL. Still, the belief he placed in his son remained an important source of motivation.
Jordan developed into a successful quarterback at Utah State before declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft. The Green Bay Packers selected him in the first round with the 26th overall pick.
He later became Green Bay’s starting quarterback. The story attracted attention because the professional career Orbin once imagined for his son eventually became reality.
Jordan has also said that he inherited some of his calm personality from his father. That connection is especially meaningful because former colleagues repeatedly described Orbin as someone who remained composed even in stressful situations.
Why People Still Search for Orbin Love
Interest in Orbin Love has grown alongside Jordan Love’s NFL career. Readers often search for terms such as Jordan Love father, Orbin Love biography, Orbin Love police officer, and Jordan Love parents because they want to understand the family story behind the quarterback.
Orbin Love’s life should not be reduced only to the tragedy surrounding his death. Verified records also show a man who served his community for decades, participated in his church, supported his children, and strongly believed in his son’s athletic future.
His influence remains visible through Jordan Love’s career and through the family story Jordan has shared publicly.
Read More: Janel Bloodsworth: Biography, Career, Family and Life
Interesting Facts About Orbin Love
- His full name was Orbin Clarence Love Jr.
- He spent about 27 years in law enforcement in Bakersfield.
- He served as an officer, detective, and police sergeant.
- He was involved with Fellowship Baptist Church as a Sunday school teacher and youth pastor.
- Orbin had played quarterback in high school before later playing running back at Bakersfield College.
- He regularly helped coach Jordan Love’s youth sports teams.
- He believed Jordan could become a talented quarterback long before Jordan became a major college or NFL prospect.
- Jordan was only 14 when his father died in 2013.
- Orbin did not live to see Jordan play at Utah State or become a first-round NFL Draft pick.
- Jordan has publicly credited his father as an important influence on both his personality and football journey.
