Orbin Clarence Love Jr. was a respected sergeant with the Bakersfield Police Department and a pivotal figure in the world of professional sports as the father and primary mentor of Green Bay Packers starting quarterback Jordan Love. Born on July 29, 1961, in Big Spring, Texas, Orbin’s life was defined by a commitment to public service, a deep devotion to his family, and a passionate belief in the potential of his children. His sudden passing on July 13, 2013, at the age of 51, sent shockwaves through the Bakersfield community and nearly altered the course of NFL history.

To understand the trajectory of Jordan Love’s career, one must first understand the man who placed the football in his hands. Orbin Love Jr. was not just a police officer; he was a coach, a spiritual guide, and the foundation upon which the Love family was built. His legacy continues to resonate every time Jordan Love takes the field, serving as a silent engine behind the quarterback's rise to professional stardom.

A Life of Service: Orbin Love Jr Career in Law Enforcement

For nearly three decades, Orbin Love Jr. served as a pillar of the Bakersfield community. As a sergeant in the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD), he earned a reputation for being a firm yet compassionate officer. Those who worked alongside him described him as a "man of faith" and a colleague who led by example. His career in law enforcement was marked by a steady ascent through the ranks, where his leadership skills were utilized to mentor younger officers and maintain the safety of the California city he called home.

The Love household was a unique environment, as both Orbin and his wife, Anna Love, were involved in law enforcement. While Orbin served with the BPD, Anna was an officer with the California Highway Patrol. This shared background instilled a sense of discipline, resilience, and community responsibility in their four children: Jordan, Kami, Emily, and Alexis. Orbin’s role as a sergeant meant he often saw the difficult sides of life, yet his family recalls that he never brought the weight of his job home. Instead, he arrived with a smile that many in the community cited as his most defining characteristic.

In the Bakersfield Police Department, Orbin’s name was synonymous with reliability. After his passing, the department honored him with tributes that highlighted his infectious positivity. A statement from the department noted that Orbin’s name exemplified the way his coworkers felt about him—he was truly loved. This professional legacy of integrity and kindness provided a blueprint for his children to follow in their own respective pursuits.

The Heart of a Mentor: Coaching the Next Generation

Beyond the badge, Orbin Love Jr.’s greatest passion was sports and the development of his son’s athletic talent. Having played quarterback himself in high school and junior college, Orbin possessed a deep technical understanding of the game. He wasn't just a spectator in Jordan’s life; he was his first coach, his most rigorous critic, and his most vocal supporter.

From a young age, Jordan Love was immersed in the world of sports under his father's guidance. Orbin coached many of Jordan’s youth teams, focusing not just on the physical mechanics of being a quarterback, but on the mental toughness required for the position. He taught Jordan the importance of poise—a trait that has become Jordan’s hallmark in the NFL. Friends and family remember Orbin as the "happiest dude you would ever see" on the sidelines, always encouraging his son to keep his head up, regardless of the score.

The bond between Orbin and Jordan was forged on practice fields and in the car rides between games. Orbin had an unwavering belief that Jordan was destined for greatness at the quarterback position, even when Jordan himself had doubts. During Jordan’s freshman year of high school, when he was struggling to find his footing and playing as a backup, it was Orbin who insisted that he stay the course. This mentorship was the catalyst for Jordan’s eventual emergence as a top recruit and a first-round NFL draft pick.

The Sudden Tragedy of July 2013

The stability of the Love family was shattered on July 13, 2013. The events of that day remain a painful chapter for the Bakersfield community. Orbin Love Jr. took his own life using his service weapon, a tragedy that seemed completely incongruous with the man his friends, family, and colleagues knew.

A Sudden Change in Character

In the days leading up to his death, Orbin’s family noticed a jarring shift in his demeanor. According to Anna Love, Orbin had recently been prescribed new medication for high blood pressure. Almost immediately after starting the new regimen, the man who was known for his constant smile and upbeat attitude began exhibiting "bizarre" behavior. He wasn't acting like himself; the family describes it not as a descent into clinical depression, but as a sudden, acute mental break.

This observation is central to the family’s understanding of the tragedy. They recall a previous incident a year prior when a similar change in medication led to a brief but alarming mental health crisis. At that time, Orbin was hospitalized and returned to his normal self once the medication was corrected. Unfortunately, when the medication was changed again in 2013, the reaction was more immediate and more devastating.

The Day Everything Changed for the Love Family

On that Saturday morning in July, the routine seemed normal at first. Orbin had dropped off one of his daughters at a high school gym. He returned home, claiming he had forgotten something. It was in those moments of solitude that the tragedy occurred.

Jordan Love, then just 14 years old, was in the car with his mother when they received the news. The shock was paralyzing. Jordan has since described that day as the "darkest moment" of his life. To the young teenager, his father was an invincible figure—a role model who never showed weakness and always provided a spiritual and emotional anchor. The loss was not just the death of a parent; it was the loss of his coach, his mentor, and his best friend.

Beyond the Official Report: The Family Perspective on the Medical Demon

The official ruling of suicide provided a legal conclusion to Orbin’s death, but the Love family has been steadfast in providing context to the "why." Anna Love, in particular, has been vocal about the role of medical side effects. In Orbin’s obituary, she wrote that he was "taken suddenly by a medical demon."

This phrasing was a deliberate choice to separate Orbin’s actions from his true character. The family maintains that Orbin did not suffer from chronic depression. Instead, they believe the chemical changes induced by his blood pressure medication triggered a suicidal ideation that was entirely out of his control. This perspective has been a crucial part of the family’s healing process.

"I just wanted the world to know this was not depression," Anna Love stated in interviews. "There is no way Orbin Love would’ve ever considered taking his life. His medicine did this to his mind."

For Jordan Love, accepting this explanation was vital. It allowed him to reconcile the father he loved—the happy, supportive man—with the tragic event that ended his life. Jordan has echoed his mother’s sentiments, noting that knowing the medication was to blame helped him find peace with an otherwise inexplicable loss.

The Pivot Point: How Jordan Love Nearly Quit Football

The immediate aftermath of Orbin’s death brought Jordan Love to a crossroads. Without his father there to watch from the stands or offer advice after a game, the sport of football lost its luster. Grief is a heavy burden for a 14-year-old, and for Jordan, the game became a painful reminder of what he had lost.

A few weeks after the funeral, just as fall practice was about to begin, Jordan told his mother, "I want to quit football." He was struggling with his confidence and didn't believe he could succeed as a quarterback without his father's guidance.

It was at this moment that Anna Love stepped in to preserve Orbin’s vision. She understood that quitting in the depths of grief might lead to a lifetime of regret. She made a deal with Jordan: play for one more year. If he still wanted to quit after the season, she would support his decision.

Jordan agreed, and that season became a transformative experience. He won the starting job on the junior varsity team, his confidence began to swell, and he started to feel his father’s presence on the field in a new way. By the end of that year, Jordan realized that playing football was the best way to honor his father’s memory. The sport transformed from a source of pain into a tribute.

Anna Love: The Pillar of Strength Continuing the Legacy

In the decade following Orbin’s death, Anna Love has become a familiar figure to NFL fans. She has attended nearly every one of Jordan’s games, from his time at Utah State to his starting role with the Green Bay Packers. Her presence in the stands is a continuation of the support system that Orbin started.

Anna’s dedication is more than just maternal pride; it is a fulfillment of a family mission. She often sits in the "nosebleed" seats or wherever she can find a spot, simply to be there for her son. Jordan often looks for her in the stands before games, a ritual that provides him with the same sense of stability his father once provided.

The story of Orbin Love Jr. is inseparable from the strength of Anna Love. Together, they built a foundation that allowed their children to survive a profound tragedy and thrive. Anna’s resilience has ensured that the "Love" name remains associated with perseverance and excellence.

Remembering Orbin Love Jr: Community Tributes and Modern Impact

In Bakersfield, Orbin Love Jr. is remembered as more than just the father of a famous athlete. He is remembered as a public servant who dedicated his life to the safety of his neighbors. On the tenth anniversary of his passing, the Bakersfield Police Department posted a tribute on social media, honoring his service and reminding the community of the "beautiful smile" he was known for.

For Jordan Love, the impact of his father is felt in the quiet moments of his professional career. Jordan often speaks about how his father's belief in him remains a driving force. When Jordan was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, many commentators pointed to his "unshakable poise" and "mental toughness." These are traits that were forged in the crucible of his father's coaching and tested by the tragedy of his father's death.

The narrative of Orbin Love Jr. also serves as a cautionary tale and a point of discussion regarding the side effects of medication and mental health. While the family does not claim to be medical experts, their willingness to share their story has raised awareness about how physiological changes can impact mental well-being, even in those who seem the happiest.

Conclusion

Orbin Love Jr.’s life was a testament to the power of a father’s belief and the lasting impact of a life lived in service to others. Though his death was a tragedy that defies easy explanation, his legacy is clearly visible in the success and character of his son, Jordan Love. By focusing on the "medical demon" that took him, the Love family has reclaimed Orbin’s narrative, ensuring he is remembered not for how he died, but for how he lived: with a smile on his face, a whistle around his neck, and an unshakable faith in the people he loved.

As Jordan Love continues to lead the Green Bay Packers, he carries the lessons of the Bakersfield sergeant with him. Orbin Love Jr. may not be in the stands at Lambeau Field, but his influence is present in every pass, every touchdown, and every display of resilience from the son he coached to greatness.

FAQ

What was Orbin Love Jr's profession?

Orbin Love Jr. was a police sergeant with the Bakersfield Police Department in California. He served the department for many years and was highly respected by his colleagues and the community.

What happened to Orbin Love Jr?

Orbin Love Jr. passed away on July 13, 2013, at the age of 51. His death was ruled a suicide. However, his family has publicly stated that his actions were the result of a sudden mental health crisis triggered by a change in his blood pressure medication.

How did Orbin Love Jr's death affect Jordan Love?

At the age of 14, Jordan Love was devastated by the loss of his father and mentor. He initially wanted to quit football, but his mother, Anna Love, encouraged him to play for one more season. This decision eventually led to his successful college career at Utah State and his selection as a first-round NFL draft pick.

What did the family mean by "medical demon"?

The term "medical demon" was used by Anna Love in Orbin’s obituary to describe the sudden and uncharacteristic mental state that led to his death. The family believes that a specific reaction to blood pressure medication caused a "bizarre" behavioral shift that did not reflect Orbin's true personality or history.

Is Jordan Love's mother still active in his career?

Yes, Anna Love is a constant presence at Jordan’s games. She has attended almost every game since his college years and is frequently seen by fans and media supporting him from the stands during Green Bay Packers games.