USU Athletic Media Relations
Former Utah State football player Orlando “Big O” Nelson died unexpectedly at his home in Layton on Friday, Nov. 2. He was 64.
Nelson was a three-year letterman at tight end for the Aggies during the 1973, 1974 and 1975 seasons, helping Utah State amass an overall record of 21-12 during that stretch. The former Layton High Lancer was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 20th pick in the sixth round (176th overall) of the 1976 NFL Draft. He also played for the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings.
At the time of his death, Nelson was the general manager of Wasatch Rides, a car dealership in Layton.