Dan Orlovsky might’ve once been a forgotten name on NFL rosters, bouncing between teams as a backup quarterback—but in the broadcasting world, he’s become a hot commodity.

And after a brief flirtation with rival networks, he’s decided to stay put at ESPN.

Orlovsky Chooses ESPN Over Other Networks

According to reporting from The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, Orlovsky was being courted by other media outlets, including CBS, who reportedly considered him for a spot on their Big Ten football broadcasts.

But ultimately, Orlovsky turned down those talks. CBS has since gone with Charles Davis for the gig.

Even though the new contract isn’t officially signed yet, Marchand reports that Orlovsky is expected to continue in his usual roles—appearing on NFL Live and contributing to ESPN’s Monday Night Football coverage.

Confusing Exit Tease Earlier This Year

Some fans might be surprised by this latest development, especially given what Orlovsky said earlier this year.

Back in February, during an appearance on First Take, he made it sound like he was stepping away from television altogether.

“I’m taking a break, won’t be on TV for a long time,” Orlovsky said at the time.

“Never know what the future holds but I’m taking a break… just want to say thank you. Appreciate you guys so much.”

Clearly, that “break” wasn’t a permanent goodbye—just a breather before renewing his media journey.

A Quiet Playing Career Turned Into a Loud Broadcasting Presence

Orlovsky might not have had the most memorable NFL career—he went 2-10 as a starting quarterback over 12 years—but his second act as a football analyst has been a very different story.

Since joining ESPN in 2018, he’s grown into one of the network’s more recognizable NFL voices.

He became a fan favorite on NFL Live, teaming up with Laura Rutledge, Marcus Spears, and Mina Kimes.

He’s also stepped into the booth to call games alongside Chris Fowler and Louis Riddick Jr.

Controversy Over On-Air Comment

But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Orlovsky did stir up backlash during an October First Take Halloween segment when he asked, “Why do black dudes smell better than white dudes?”

The question left the panel—Stephen A. Smith, Molly Qerim, and Jason McCourty—visibly stunned.

The awkward silence quickly turned into online backlash.

One user on X called it “palpable cringe,” while others questioned why ESPN allows segments like that on air.

Comments ranged from, “We as a society have moved past the need for Dan Orlovsky on television,” to “I pray for the day ESPN stops allowing clown s**t like this.”

Still Moving Forward With ESPN

Despite the controversy, ESPN seems committed to keeping Orlovsky on board.

The official deal may not be inked yet, but all signs point to his return as part of the network’s core football coverage team.

The Daily Mail reportedly reached out to ESPN for comment, though no formal statement has been given so far.