Furfari At-Large: Bo Orlando
September 18, 2003 03:07 PM | General
Return to Mountaineer Illustrated
September 13, 2003
Bo Orlando excelled as a defensive back not only at West Virginia University (1985-88) but also in the National Football League (1989-98).
He was a captain his senior season as the 1988 team became the first in school history to finish the regular season undefeated and untied. He also served as an NFL team representative during his 10-year professional career.
The Berwick, Pa., native remains close to the sport he still loves as an accredited pro sports agent and NFLPA contract advisor.
He still enjoys coming to Morgantown for WVU games and following the Mountaineers on TV throughout the season.
"I have great memories from my years here," Orlando said on a recent visit. "Every time I drive into Morgantown, I recall so many things I enjoyed while here. It was a wonderful five years.
"This is a great university. Tom Robsock (1992-94) and I came from a small town to play football here, and Morgantown is that kind of setting.
"There are other big schools. Penn State, one of those, is like a little city in itself. But Morgantown is kind of like the place I grew up in.
"I always felt right at home here."
Orlando was a major contributor as WVU posted a four-year record of 28-11-1, including the all-winning 11-0 campaign in '88. That team went on to play No. 1 Notre Dame tough in a showdown for the national championship at the Fiesta Bowl.
He recalled the 31-9 victory over 14th-ranked Syracuse that wrapped up the '88 regular season as his favorite. "In all my years and games, that one still makes my hair stand straight up," he said.
"You go from college, where all the rivalries are, to get into the pros where it's more business-like, trying to make the playoffs, and think about the Super Bowl. Oh, there are maybe a couple rivalries, but not as spirited as those in college."
Orlando was a sixth-round NFL draft choice of the Houston Oilers, for whom he played six years. Then he spent a year with the San Diego Chargers, two years with the Cincinnati Bengals and his last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"It's every kid's dream to go from a major university, play for the national championship and get a lot of recognition," he said. "Then when you finally get up to the NFL and play against guys you've seen on TV, it's kind of a wild thing for a year or two.
"But after that, it becomes a job like anything else. Those guys put their pants on one leg at a time, like everybody else. Then you start a family and it becomes a supportive thing."
Orlando is a member of the WVU all-time team for the period 1980-89.
As a 5-10, 175-pound safety, he was credited with 173 tackles, six pass interceptions, two blocked kicks, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries during his four-year career.
Most memorable were interception returns of 84 and 56 yards for touchdowns. One was against East Carolina, the other against Maryland.
Orlando now is associated with a rehabilitation company in Bethlehem, Pa. His work takes him throughout the eastern part of Pennsylvania and all of New Jersey.
"I keep moving around and meet a lot of people," he said. "I like being in sales. The NFL background helps some."
Bo is married to the former Mary Banyas, his high school and college sweetheart. She has a master's degree in speech pathology and he a bachelor's degree in sports management.
They have three children: Joey, 13; Gabriel,11; and Anthony, 9.
"I still see a lot of high school games and keep my eye open for good college prospects," Orlando said. "I let WVU know about those I think can play in Division I-A."
