Matt Kryger, Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Star via Imagn Content Services, LLC

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky Accused Of Ruining NFL MVP Award

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Feb 6, 2026 9:58 AM ET

NFL fans around the country are calling for ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky to lose his MVP vote.

Before the NFL Honors ceremony took place Thursday night, Orlovsky revealed that he voted for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. That seemed like a fine selection considering the veteran gunslinger had 4,707 yards with 46 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season.

"I voted for Stafford," said Orlovsky on national television. "This is my biggest pushback to you, and this is where you lose it. You can’t on one hand talk about the numerical advantage or the statistical advantage that Drake Maye has on some of the things that you reference and then not talk about the schedule."

So why are fans mad at Orlovsky? They believe he voted for Stafford in large part because they were teammates on the Detroit Lions.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: ESPN commentator Dan Orlovsky looks on prior to a game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)Ian Maule/Getty Images

"Dan Orlovsky might have single handily ruined the reputation of the NFL MVP," one fan declared. "Really turned the award into the you deserve to win something too."

"Not even trying to be a hater, because I definitely am, but they need to seriously consider taking Dan Orlovsky’s AP vote away," a second fan said. "He’s doing nothing but watering down the whole process and staining the reputation of the voters & awards. He’s not fit, at least not while on TV."

"Dan Orlovsky gonna get on tv and victory lap tomorrow like he won the award and won’t have a shred of shame about it," another fan said.

"It's truly insane how Dan Orlovsky has totally ruined the meaning of the MVP vote," a social media user wrote.

It is embarrassing that Dan Orlovsky still has a MVP vote.

The way Mina absolutely cooked him here is hilarious.

Furthermore, the NFL needs to make Mina’s criteria THE criteria for all voters.

The resumes of these all time great players should be decided by FACTS not… https://t.co/Wdpii0T77L
— E. (@ItsJust__E) February 5, 2026

How close was this year's MVP race?

Stafford won MVP with 24 first-place votes. New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was right behind him with 23 first-place votes.

"What confuses me is the same 50 people vote for AP All-Pro as AP MVP. Stafford had a 31-18 edge on Maye for All-Pro QB, but 24-23 for MVP," Greg Auman of Fox Sports said.

Perhaps the most shocking reveal on Thursday night was that Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert received an MVP vote. That vote could've swung the race in Stafford's favor.

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

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