History of Dan Orlovsky in Timeline

Dan Orlovsky is a former NFL quarterback who played for 12 seasons, mainly as a backup. Currently, he works as an American 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 grow up to become a quarterback in the NFL and later an analyst for ESPN.

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.

July 30, 2011: Orlovsky signed 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 with the Indianapolis Colts

On September 27, 2011, after being cut from the team, Dan Orlovsky was re-signed by the Indianapolis Colts.

November 30, 2011: Orlovsky 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: Orlovsky wins first game as a starter in the NFL

On December 18, 2011, Dan Orlovsky and the Colts won their first game of the season against the Titans, after starting 0-13. This was Orlovsky's first official win as a starter in the NFL.

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 in a comeback victory over the 10-4 Houston Texans with less than two minutes remaining in the game.

March 15, 2012: Orlovsky signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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

April 4, 2013: Orlovsky cut by the Buccaneers

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

April 8, 2013: Orlovsky re-signed with the Buccaneers

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

April 2, 2014: Orlovsky signed with the Detroit 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 with the Detroit Lions

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

March 11, 2016: Orlovsky re-signed with the Detroit 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 Retired from Football

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

May 18, 2022: Orlovsky 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: 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.