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'He Is A Special Dude': Dan Orlovsky Holds Back Tears As ESPN Tributes His Son On World Autism Awareness Day

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Ernest Leo Hernandez | Last updated Apr 3, 2025 9:44 AM ET

Dan Orlovsky, former NFL player, was a proud dad as his son’s artwork was showcased on ESPN’’s NFL Live. The studio was surrounded by a number of impressive pictures and caricatures all created by Madden, Orlovsky’s son who is autistic. The pictures were displayed in the studio as a tribute to Madden on World Autism Awareness Day.

Orlovsky is currently an analyst and host with the ESPN network, and could not hold back his emotions as Madden was over the moon with happiness at seeing his artwork displayed so wonderfully.

“I have an autistic son… and his superpower is drawing. He loves art. He loves to draw animated characters… This is like him in his truest form, like his favorite thing in the world is the draw, to create characters, to create animated characters… He is a special dude.” Dan Orlovsky said about his son’s drawings on NFL Live on ESPN.

Dan Orlovsky entered the NFL as the 145th pick in the fifth round of the 2005 draft, being selected by the Detroit Lions. The quarterback went on to have a stellar career, playing for a number of teams, and ending his career with the Los Angeles Rams. Before the NFL, Orlovsky played college football for the UConn Huskies from 2001 to 2004.

Madden is one of Orlovsky’s four children whom he shares with his wife, Tiffany Orlovsky. In fact, Madden is a triplet and shares his birthday with Hunter and Noah. The Orlovskys were also blessed with a daughter, Lennon, who was born in 2015.

Dan Orlovsky ‘Retired’ From ESPN For Three Weeks

A few weeks back, Dan Orlovsky stirred the pot after announcing that he is planning on taking a break from TV and won’t be seen on the screen for a long time. However, Orlovsky came back on everyone’s screen after spending some time in Hawaii with his wife and kids.

Orlovsky signed a three-year contract with ESPN to appear as an analyst on their programs. As per the 41-year-old former quarterback, he would be retiring from his job with the network after the Super Bowl ended. While many football fans were incredibly happy to see Orlovsky back on their screens with his witty remarks, there were many who criticized the retired footballer for putting out fake retirement news.

Orlovsky directly responded to a social media user who asked about exactly this, and mentioned that he was never going to retire, and he simply was taking some time off. While in Hawaii, Orlovsky was blown away by the culture and the food, and kept his followers updated about his whereabouts. Perhaps the vacation really freed up something inside Orlovsky, causing him to get back to working with renewed energy.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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