Dan Orlovsky has developed into one of the better NFL analysts at ESPN. Orlovsky has no problems rolling up his sleeves and debating the likes of Stephen A. Smith and Marcus Spears on ESPN’s flagship program “First Take.”
Before his life as an NFL talking head, Orlovsky played QB in the league. Now, he brings his insight to several shows across the network. Orlovsky played collegiate football at the University of Connecticut. He has always been known as a cerebral player, which led to his NFL playing experience.
Dan Orlovsky’s NFL Career
The Detroit Lions selected Orlovsky with the 145th overall selection in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Veteran QB Jeff Garcia was injured during the preseason of Orlovsky’s rookie season, elevating Orlovsky into backup duties early on in his playing career.
Orlovsky is most associated with the Lions franchise. Not only did the Lions draft him, but they brought him back, not once, but twice. Orlovsky had three different stints with the organization.
Orlovsky didn’t receive significant playing time until his fourth NFL season — the life of an NFL backup. Orlovsky’s NFL career didn’t kick off how he and the Lions had hoped. Orlovsky lost his first NFL start 12-10 and famously ran out the back of his end zone, resulting in a safety that cost his team the game.
The error was so astonishing that the play has followed Orlovsky throughout his NFL career and into his analyst role, where his counterparts make fun of him. Orlovsky dubbed himself “an idiot” for making such a boneheaded mistake.
Orlovsky played for five teams throughout his NFL career: the Lions, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Rams. Orlovsky’s playing career was unremarkable as he was a journeyman and bounced around the league as teams needed depth for their QB room.
What Is Orlovsky Doing Now?
Orlovsky currently works on ESPN as an NFL analyst. Orlovsky works with Stephen A. Smith on First Take and as an NFL commentator on other ESPN platforms.
WHAT
ARE
WE
DOING pic.twitter.com/F9IJvGe0m2— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) September 18, 2023
How Much Is Orlovsky’s Salary?
Orlovsky’s salary with ESPN is between $500,000 and $1 million. Orlovsky has been a mainstay on ESPN in a variety of roles, bringing his professional QB experience to the network.
Orlovsky’s Current Net Worth
The veteran backup signal-caller earned most of his earnings throughout his NFL career. Orlovsky’s current net worth is $5 million.