Dan Orlovsky’s definition of a “long time” turned out to be just three weeks. After sparking speculation about his future with ESPN following the conclusion of Super Bowl 2025, the former NFL quarterback made his return to television on Monday morning’s episode of “Get Up.”
His reappearance comes after a period of uncertainty, during which he hinted at potential changes in his career trajectory.
Orlovsky, 41, had raised eyebrows on the February 10 episode of “First Take” when he cryptically stated, “I’m taking a break, won’t be on TV for a long time.” He went on to thank Stephen A. Smith, Molly Qerim, and Shannon Sharpe before adding, “Never know what the future holds.” This farewell-like statement led many to believe that he was on the verge of parting ways with ESPN.
Adding fuel to the speculation, Orlovsky later responded to a fan on X (formerly Twitter) who suggested that his statement sounded like a “leaving the network speech.” Orlovsky’s response, “Lotta decisions to be made. See what happens. I’m grateful for it all,” only deepened the mystery surrounding his status with ESPN.
Despite the speculation, Orlovsky clarified upon his return that he was never planning to retire from television. When a fan jokingly asked if his “retirement” from ESPN was already over, Orlovsky quickly corrected them, saying, “Was never retiring. Just taking my time away.” Another fan inquired whether he was back full-time, to which the analyst replied, “No, just a day or two up till the draft.”
Orlovsky’s current contract with ESPN, a three-year deal signed in 2022, is set to expire this summer. His brief absence from television prompted questions about whether he might be considering new opportunities elsewhere.
In the past, he has reportedly had discussions with Fox Sports before ultimately choosing to stay with ESPN, where he was placed in the No. 2 “Monday Night Football” booth.
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During his time away, Orlovsky took the opportunity to unwind with his family in Hawaii, using the break for reflection and relaxation.
Sharing his experience on social media, he expressed deep admiration for the Hawaiian culture, writing, “What an incredible place. The people, the culture, the way of life, the appreciation of family—The food. The peace you can be at while there. Forces you to stop and be present in all ways. Kauai is now my favorite place in the world. Such great reflection and spirit. Lot of good thoughts and I’m grateful for that time with my family.”
Beyond television, Orlovsky has hinted at aspirations beyond broadcasting. He has long expressed interest in potentially returning to football in a coaching capacity.
Speaking with Dan Patrick in January, Orlovsky admitted that the pull back to the NFL remains strong. “The more I get away from being done playing, the greater the pull back to it,” he said. “Just because of the competitive drive.”
A former quarterback, Orlovsky played for the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers during his career. He retired from the NFL in 2017 after being released by the Los Angeles Rams at the end of the preseason. Since joining ESPN in 2018, he has become a regular presence on “Get Up,” “First Take,” and “NFL Live.”
As Orlovsky’s contract situation remains unresolved, questions linger about his long-term future in sports media.
Will he re-sign with ESPN, explore other broadcasting opportunities, or transition into coaching? For now, he’s back on television, but his next move could be just around the corner.
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