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Dan Orlovsky makes final decision on ESPN future after teasing exit

Longtime ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky is to return to the network despite being out of contract after agreeing to sign a new deal and keep him on shows like 'NFL Life'

Dan Orlovsky ESPN
Dan Orlovsky is set to return to ESPN(Image: Getty Images)

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky joined the network in 2018, shortly after his retirement from the NFL. In the years since, he's remained a staple on ESPN programming like 'NFL Live' and 'Monday Night Football' countdown.


Orlovsky teased a move away from the network following the Super Bowl LIX, admitting he was "taking a break [and] won’t be on TV for a long time" amid rumors of a move to join CBS's college football team with his ESPN contract was set to expire at the end of the year.

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Instead, The Athletic is reporting that Orlovsky has agreed to a new deal with ESPN, though nothing has formally been signed. It comes after another ESPN show bid an emotional recent farewell while the iconic Dick Vitale made an announcement on his future.

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The 42-year-old Orlovsky rose in prominence with his sharp analysis on 'NFL Live' alongside host Laura Rutledge and fellow analysts Mina Kimes, Marcus Spears, and Ryan Clark.

He serves as a main color commentator alongside Lance Reddick and play-by-play man Chris Fowler for ESPN's second-choice NFL team (behind Joe Buck and Troy Aikman).

Orlovsky, a former quarterback, was selected in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions out of the University of Connecticut.


Dan Orlovsky ESPN
Orlovsky on the desk of popular ESPN show 'NFL Live'(Image: Getty Images)

He went 0-7 as the Lions' starter during the team's infamous winless 2008 campaign, a stint where he ran out of the back of his own endzone for a safety.

Orvlosky had further stints with the Hoston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Los Angeles Rams (practice squad) before retiring in 2017. He finished his NFL career with 3,132 yards and a 2-10 career record as a starter.

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On a February appearance on 'First Take,' Orlvosky seemed to indicate his time at ESPN was coming to a close. “You guys know this is the end of the season for me, certainly for [Ryan Clark] as well. I’m taking a break, won’t be on TV for a long time,” he said.

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“I just want to say thank you to you guys, Stephen A. [Smith], Molly [Qerim], Shannon [Sharpe], for a great season. I love you all. You never know what the future holds, but I’m taking a break. I’m sure R.C. is as well. So I just want to say thank you. I appreciate you guys so much.”

Orlovsky was motted to take Gary Danielson's vacant CBS Big Ten broadcast job after his retirement. Instead, the network opted to move Charles Davis from his usual NFL coverage.

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