WVU Sports Hall of Fame

Inducted: 2012

Written by Bryan Messerly

Bo Orlando, a native of Berwick, Pa., was the heart of the Mountaineer secondary from 1985-88.

Co-captain of the 1988 team that went undefeated during the regular season, Orlando earned NEA/World Book first team All-America honors, honorable mention Associated Press All-America honors and first team AP All-East.

Orlando finished his career with 173 total tackles, five interceptions, four pass break ups, six tackles for loss and one quarterback sack. He ran back one of the longest interceptions in Mountaineer history for 84 yards against East Carolina in 1987.

As a senior, he intercepted three passes, including a 56-yard interception for a touchdown against Maryland. Orlando had 13 tackles at East Carolina and 11 at Rutgers. He was fourth on the team with 83 tackles in 1987.

Orlando was named co-recipient of the 1988 Gridiron Gladiator Award, the 1987 Ideal Mountaineer and was named to the WVU all-time team from 1980-89.

Orlando was selected 157th overall in the sixth round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. He played six seasons with the Oilers, recording seven interceptions, including one for a touchdown. He then played one season with the San Diego Chargers, two with the Cincinnati Bengals and his last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1998. Orlando totaled two sacks and 10 interceptions in his career.

In high school, he played quarterback and defensive back at Berwick High, leading the team to a 13-0 record and a No. 1 ranking in the USA Today Top 25 in 1983.

He has two sons and one daughter. His son, Joseph, played football at New Hampshire while his youngest son, Anthony, will play football this fall at Colgate. Orlando’s daughter Gabrielle, also is in college. Since his NFL career, Orlando has coached high school football at Liberty High in Bethlehem, Pa., serving as the defensive backs coach where he was able to coach both his sons.