History of Dan Orlovsky in Timeline

Dan Orlovsky is a former NFL quarterback who played for 12 seasons, primarily as a backup. He is now a 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 American football analyst for ESPN and a former professional football player.

Others born on this day/year

March 1, 2009: Orlovsky signs with the Houston Texans

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

July 30, 2011: Orlovsky signs with the Indianapolis Colts

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

September 27, 2011: Orlovsky re-signed by the Colts

On September 27, 2011, after initially being cut, the Colts re-signed Dan Orlovsky.

November 30, 2011: Orlovsky named starter for the Colts

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

December 18, 2011: Orlovsky Wins First Game as a Starter

On December 18, 2011, Dan Orlovsky won his first game as a starter in the NFL with the Colts against the Titans, after the Colts started the season 0-13.

December 22, 2011: Orlovsky Leads Colts to Comeback Victory over Texans

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

March 15, 2012: Orlovsky signed by Buccaneers

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

April 4, 2013: Orlovsky cut by Buccaneers

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

April 8, 2013: Orlovsky re-signed by Buccaneers

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

April 2, 2014: Orlovsky signs with the Lions

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

March 2, 2015: Orlovsky re-signed by the Lions

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

March 11, 2016: Orlovsky re-signed by Lions

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

July 20, 2017: Orlovsky signed with the Los Angeles Rams

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

September 2, 2017: Orlovsky Released by the Rams

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

October 11, 2017: Orlovsky retires from football and joins ESPN

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

May 18, 2022: Orlovsky joins 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: Orlovsky's son Madden goes viral

On April 2, 2025, Dan Orlovsky's son, Madden, who is autistic, went viral for designing studio graphics and making a brief appearance on NFL Live, garnering hundreds of messages of support from around the sports world.