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 and ABC, providing commentary and insights on the sport.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 18, 1983: Daniel Orlovsky Born

On August 18, 1983, Daniel John Orlovsky was born. He would go on to become an NFL quarterback and later a football analyst for ESPN and ABC.

Others born on this day/year

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.

April 2, 2025: Orlovsky's son Madden went viral on NFL Live

On April 2, 2025, Dan Orlovsky's son, Madden, who is autistic, gained attention after designing studio graphics and appearing on NFL Live, which prompted a positive response from the sports community.

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