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Dan Orlovsky Appeared To Send On-Air Message To ESPN

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Mar 11, 2025 12:47 AM ET

Dan Orlovsky's future at ESPN remains in flux.

After the Super Bowl, Orlovsky gave a heartfelt farewell to his First Take colleagues before taking a break. Viewers wondered if the former quarterback was parting ways with the Worldwide Leader, but he returned from a vacation to Hawaii last week.

Nevertheless, Orlovsky's contract with ESPN expires this summer. Adam Schefter may have tried leading the crusade for a new deal.

Hopefully Orlovsky had a relaxing break, as he and the NFL team had a busy Monday covering a whirlwind start to free agency. A SportsCenter panel discussed the Seattle Seahawks signing Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million contract after trading Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Minnesota Vikings didn't move mountains to retain Darnold after a breakout year, but the Seahawks admired the 27-year-old enough to deal their incumbent starter and give him $55 million in guaranteed money. During the conversation, Schefter used the situation to flatter his colleague.

"At this point in his career, he wants to be loved," Schefter said, via Awful Announcing. "During Dan Orlovsky's career, he just wanted somebody to love him the whole time. The only place that ever loved him that way was ESPN. We love Dan!"

Orlovsky smiled and delivered a simple response before trying to steer the conversation back on track.

"Time will tell," Orlovsky answered.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 12: Dan Orlovsky looks on prior to Super Bowl LVII between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Orlovsky has ascended into one of the network's top football analysts since joining ESPN in 2018. Along with broadcasting games, the NFL Live has made more appearances on other leading shows like First Take and Get Up.

However, Orlovsky has expressed uncertainty about his future with ESPN and previously conveyed interest in coaching.

As Orlovsky alluded to, time will tell if ESPN loves him as much as Schefter said. Or perhaps Orlovsky is ready to find a new love elsewhere.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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