Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Orlando McDaniel died from “complications related to the coronavirus” on Friday evening, according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach. He was 59.
Jim Saccomano, the Broncos’ former vice president of public relations, shared the news on Twitter on Saturday evening.
Very sad news, former Broncos WR Orlando McDaniel passed away at age 59, reportedly complications from Coronavirus… #fb
— Jim Saccomano (@broncos_sacco) March 28, 2020
…Orlando McDaniel was a good guy. RIP… #fb
— Jim Saccomano (@broncos_sacco) March 28, 2020
McDaniel played college football for the LSU Tigers and was selected by the Broncos in the second round of the 1982 NFL draft. At LSU, McDaniel caught 64 passes for 1,184 yards and three touchdowns from 1978-81.
McDaniel dressed for three games in Denver as a rookie but did not record any stats on offense.
In addition to playing football at LSU, McDaniel was also a star in track. In 2003, McDaniel founded the North Texas Cheetahs Youth Track Club.
“We’re fortunate that people like him get involved with our youth,” LSU track and field coach Dennis Shaver told ESPN. “He was one of the most important people in our sport . . . . He’s sorely going to be missed.”