History of Dan Orlovsky in Timeline

Dan Orlovsky is a former NFL quarterback who played for 12 seasons, primarily as a backup. Since retiring from professional football, he has become a prominent football analyst for ESPN, providing commentary and insights on the sport.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 18, 1983: Dan Orlovsky Born

On August 18, 1983, Dan Orlovsky was born. He would later become an NFL quarterback and an ESPN analyst.

Others born on this day/year

2003: Orlovsky's Junior Year

In 2003, as a junior playing college football, Dan Orlovsky's 33 passing touchdowns ranked seventh in NCAA Division 1-A.

2004: Senior Year Accomplishments

In 2004, during his senior year, Dan Orlovsky completed a school- and Big East-record 39 passes for 445 yards against Syracuse. He led his team to victory in the Motor City Bowl and earned Game MVP honors, finishing the season with 3,354 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.

2005: Drafted by Detroit Lions

In 2005, Dan Orlovsky was selected by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the NFL draft after playing college football for the UConn Huskies.

2005: Emergence as Lions' Primary Backup

In 2005, during the preseason, Dan Orlovsky became the Detroit Lions' primary backup quarterback after Jeff Garcia sustained an injury. He played in two regular season games, including the Thanksgiving Day game against the Atlanta Falcons.

2006: Third-String QB

In 2006, after the Lions traded Joey Harrington, released Jeff Garcia, and signed Jon Kitna and Josh McCown, Dan Orlovsky spent the season as the third-string quarterback.

2007: Struggling to gain a starting position

In 2007, Dan Orlovsky was initially projected to be the second-string quarterback, but the Lions acquired J.T. O'Sullivan, which moved Orlovsky back to third on the depth chart. He did not play any regular season snaps that year.

October 12, 2008: First Career NFL Start

On October 12, 2008, Dan Orlovsky made his first career NFL start for the Detroit Lions in a game against the Minnesota Vikings. During the game, he inadvertently ran out of the back of his own end zone for a safety, contributing to the Lions' loss.

2008: Exploring Free Agency

In 2008, Dan Orlovsky started in the final game of the season and later announced his intention to explore the free agent market rather than accept a backup quarterback contract in Detroit.

2008: O'Sullivan became the starting QB

In 2008, J.T. O'Sullivan, who previously bumped Dan Orlovsky to third on the depth chart, emerged as the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.

March 1, 2009: Signed with Houston Texans

On March 1, 2009, Dan Orlovsky signed a 3-year, $9 million deal with the Houston Texans.

July 30, 2011: Signed with Indianapolis Colts

On July 30, 2011, Dan Orlovsky signed with the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent.

September 27, 2011: Re-signed by the Colts

On September 27, 2011, after being among the final roster cuts, Dan Orlovsky was re-signed by the Indianapolis Colts.

November 30, 2011: Named Starter for the Colts

On November 30, 2011, Dan Orlovsky was named the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, replacing the benched Curtis Painter.

December 18, 2011: First Win as NFL Starter

On December 18, 2011, Dan Orlovsky led the Indianapolis Colts to their first win of the season against the Titans, marking his first official win as a starter in the NFL.

December 22, 2011: Comeback Victory Over Texans

On December 22, 2011, Dan Orlovsky led the Colts on a 12-play, 78-yard drive in a comeback victory over the Houston Texans with less than two minutes remaining in the game.

March 15, 2012: Signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On March 15, 2012, Dan Orlovsky signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

April 4, 2013: Cut by the Buccaneers

On April 4, 2013, Dan Orlovsky was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

April 8, 2013: Re-signed with the Buccaneers

On April 8, 2013, four days after being cut, Dan Orlovsky re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

April 2, 2014: Signed with the Lions

On April 2, 2014, the Detroit Lions signed Dan Orlovsky as their backup quarterback to Matthew Stafford.

March 2, 2015: Re-signed with the Lions

On March 2, 2015, the Detroit Lions re-signed Dan Orlovsky to a one-year contract.

March 11, 2016: Re-signed as Lions' Backup QB

On March 11, 2016, the Detroit Lions re-signed Dan Orlovsky as their primary backup quarterback to Matthew Stafford.

July 20, 2017: Signed with the Los Angeles Rams

On July 20, 2017, Dan Orlovsky signed with the Los Angeles Rams.

September 2, 2017: Released by the Rams

On September 2, 2017, Dan Orlovsky was released by the Los Angeles Rams.

October 11, 2017: Retirement from Football

On October 11, 2017, Dan Orlovsky announced his retirement from professional football and joined ESPN as an analyst.

May 18, 2022: Joined ESPN NFL Crew

On May 18, 2022, Dan Orlovsky joined the #2 ESPN NFL crew with Steve Levy and Louis Riddick Jr., replacing Brian Griese.

April 2, 2025: Son's Viral Appearance on NFL Live

On April 2, 2025, Dan Orlovsky's son, Madden, who is autistic, went viral for designing studio graphics and making an appearance on NFL Live, receiving support from the sports community.