Former NFL player and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky apologized to viewers for calling them “losers” for harshly criticizing Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and tight end Mark Andrews after their playoff loss.
Dan Orlovsky Apologizes for Calling His Viewers ‘Losers’
Following the Ravens’ playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round, NFL fans have been very critical of Jackson and Andrews for each turning the ball over multiple times and playing a crucial role in Baltimore’s loss.
Orlovsky, meanwhile, called fans who were critical of the Ravens’ duo “losers” after their loss to the Bills, saying, “If you put the loss on Lamar tonight, respectfully, you’re a loser. Mark Andrews is one of the all-time Ravens — He had a brutal drop and fumble yes. If you’re gonna use that to trash him, respectfully, you’re a loser.”
If you put the loss on Lamar tonight, respectfully, you’re a loser
Mark Andrews is one of the all time ravens—he had a brutal drop and fumble yes. If you’re gonna use that to trash him, respectfully, you’re a loser.
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7)
This tweet led to quite a bit of backlash in the comments, with one fan saying, “This is a terrible, terrible take. Lamar got a $260 million dollar contract. If you were told before the game Lamar had 2 turnovers while Josh had zero, every single person in this thread would’ve said the Bills won. Once again Lamar Jackson shrunk in the playoffs. It’s okay to admit it.
This is a terrible, terrible take.
Lamar got a $260 million dollar contract. If you were told before the game Lamar had 2 turnovers while Josh had zero, every single person in this thread would’ve said the Bills won.
Once again Lamar Jackson shrunk in the playoffs. It’s okay to…
— The Ultimate Lineup (@TheUltLineup_)
Another fan noted that he probably shouldn’t be calling people losers if he’s representing a company like ESPN.
“Jesus Christ my guy. You’re a former professional QB in the @NFL Why are you. Calling people losers on twitter…” said the fan.
Jesus Christ my guy. You’re a former professional QB in the @NFL Why are you. Calling people losers on twitter…sorry Elon. …X?
— LosingBetsToday (@LosingBetsToday)
After receiving this backlash, Orlovsky took to ESPN to apologize to their viewers for his harsh words.
“I shouldn’t do that and call people that… it’s hard to be a little bit overly critical in that moment of Lamar, if I’m just being real — and it’s our job — but having talked with him, you know how much he wants it.”
Dan Orlovsky apologizes for referring to Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews' critics as "losers."
"I shouldn't do that and call people that… it's hard to be a little bit overly critical in that moment of Lamar, if I'm just being real — and it's our job — but having talked with… https://t.co/uOW7JH19Wi pic.twitter.com/axJEXYSEU3
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing)
While it was a bit harsh to call some viewers “losers,” it was good to see Orlovsky formally apologize for it on air. It’s clear after hearing his apology that he personally felt for Jackson after seeing first-hand how badly he wanted to win that game.
That said, it’s important to remember that regardless, Jackson could’ve played better and that he needs to be held accountable as any quarterback would. That was a big theme in the replies, as people said he would’ve held Allen accountable if he had lost and turned the ball over twice.
Sports are a brutal business, but this is the world athletes live in.