Once a journeyman quarterback desperate for another chance in the NFL, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky suddenly became the subject of intense interest from rival networks before deciding to return to the Worldwide Leader, according to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand.
The new deal hasn’t been signed yet, but according to Marchand, Orlovsky will continue appearing on NFL Live as well as ESPN’s Monday Night Football.
That could come as a surprise to some after Orlovsky appeared to indicate in February that his time on the network could be winding down.
‘I’m taking a break, won’t be on TV for a long time,’ Orlovsky told ESPN’s First Take. ‘Never know what the future holds but I’m taking a break… just want to say thank you. Appreciate you guys so much.’
According to Marchand, Orlovsky did have talks with CBS about joining their Big Ten broadcasts, but he apparently declined and that network went with Charles Davis instead.
The 41-year-old Orlovsky joined ESPN in 2018 after an unremarkable 12-year NFL career, most of which was spent serving as a backup.
Dan Orlovsky made a return to the ESPN airwaves after hinting at a departure from the network
Daily Mail has reached out to ESPN spokespeople for comment.
Unlike the gridiron, where he went 2-10 as an NFL starter, Orlovsky has enjoyed success on television. First he became a popular contributor on NFL Live alongside Laura Rutledge, Marcus Spears and Mina Kimes, and has since called some games with Chris Fowler and Louis Riddick Jr. as well.
He did take some criticism in October for a Halloween segment on First Take in which he asked why ‘black dudes smell better than white dudes.’
The question led to a brief moment of silence on the set where Stephen A. Smith, co-host Molly Querim, and Jason McCourty all appeared stunned by the question.
‘The amount of cringe in the room once Dan said this was palpable. This is what ESPN has become,’ wrote one user on X.
Another user on the social media site said, ‘we as a society have moved past the need for Dan Orlovsky to be on television.’
‘I pray for the day ESPN stops allowing clown s**t like this,’ said another user.
