Career Timeline of Dan Orlovsky: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Dan Orlovsky made an impact.
Dan Orlovsky is a former NFL quarterback who played for 12 seasons, primarily as a backup. He is now a football analyst for ESPN and ABC, providing commentary and insights on the sport.
March 1, 2009: Orlovsky Signed with the Houston Texans
On March 1, 2009, Dan Orlovsky signed a 3-year, $9 million deal with the Houston Texans, but was beaten out for the backup quarterback position by Rex Grossman during the preseason, becoming the team's third-string quarterback.
July 30, 2011: Orlovsky signed with the Indianapolis Colts
On July 30, 2011, Dan Orlovsky signed with the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent, marking another transition in his NFL career.
September 27, 2011: Colts re-signed Orlovsky
On September 27, 2011, after being released during final roster cuts, the Indianapolis Colts re-signed Dan Orlovsky, providing him with a renewed opportunity on the team.
November 30, 2011: Orlovsky Named Starter for Colts
On November 30, 2011, Dan Orlovsky was named the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, taking over from the benched Curtis Painter.
December 18, 2011: Orlovsky Achieves First NFL Win as Starter
On December 18, 2011, Dan Orlovsky secured his first official win as a starter in the NFL, leading the Indianapolis Colts to victory against the Tennessee Titans after an 0-13 start to the season.
December 22, 2011: Orlovsky Leads Colts to Comeback Victory
On December 22, 2011, Dan Orlovsky orchestrated a 12-play, 78-yard drive to lead the Indianapolis Colts to a comeback victory over the Houston Texans with less than two minutes remaining in the game.
March 15, 2012: Orlovsky Signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On March 15, 2012, Dan Orlovsky signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
April 4, 2013: Buccaneers Cut Orlovsky
On April 4, 2013, Dan Orlovsky was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
April 8, 2013: Buccaneers Re-Signed Orlovsky
On April 8, 2013, only four days after being cut, Dan Orlovsky re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
April 2, 2014: Orlovsky Signed with Detroit Lions
On April 2, 2014, Dan Orlovsky signed with the Detroit Lions to serve as Matthew Stafford's backup quarterback.
March 2, 2015: Lions Re-Signed Orlovsky
On March 2, 2015, the Detroit Lions re-signed Dan Orlovsky to a one-year contract, continuing his role as backup quarterback.
March 11, 2016: Lions Re-Signed Orlovsky
On March 11, 2016, the Detroit Lions re-signed Dan Orlovsky as their primary backup quarterback to Matthew Stafford.
July 20, 2017: Orlovsky Signed with Los Angeles Rams
On July 20, 2017, Dan Orlovsky signed with the Los Angeles Rams, adding another team to his NFL career.
October 11, 2017: Orlovsky Announced Retirement
On October 11, 2017, Dan Orlovsky officially announced his retirement from professional football.
2018: Orlovsky Joined ESPN as Analyst
In 2018, Dan Orlovsky transitioned into a broadcasting career, joining ESPN as a football analyst.
May 18, 2022: Orlovsky Joins ESPN NFL Crew
On May 18, 2022, Dan Orlovsky joined the #2 ESPN NFL crew alongside Steve Levy and Louis Riddick Jr., taking over from Brian Griese.
July 7, 2025: Orlovsky Agrees to Multi-Year Contract Extension with ESPN
On July 7, 2025, Dan Orlovsky agreed to a multi-year contract extension with ESPN, solidifying his role as a football analyst.
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