Dan Orlovsky is one of the better NFL analysts on TV. Before his life as an NFL talking head, Orlovsky was a professional QB. How did he do throughout his NFL career?
Dan Orlovsky’s NFL Career
Detroit Lions
Orlovsky was selected with the 145th overall selection in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. Detroit planned for Orlovsky to be the third-string QB during his rookie season, but a preseason injury to veteran Jeff Garcia propelled Orlovsky to backup duties.
Orlovsky played sparingly during his rookie season, but he did make a cameo appearance during the Lions’ annual national television appearance on Thanksgiving Day.
Dan Orlovsky has the Detroit Lions as NFC title contenders this season 👀 #OnePride #Lions #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/Lw0dSRdRAx
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) May 2, 2023
The Lions had plenty of turnover at QB between Orlovsky’s rookie and second seasons. Detroit traded starter Joey Harrington and released backup Jeff Garcia, replacing them with Jon Kitna and Josh McCown.
It would be four years before Orlovsky made his first NFL start. Orlovsky is infamous for running out of his end zone inadvertently, causing a safety, which would be the margin of loss.
Orlovsky dubbed himself “an idiot” following the blunder. Orlovsky is most known for his time as a Detroit Lion, but many may not recall that Orlovsky had three separate stints with the Lions.
The Detroit Lions have re-signed Dan Orlovsky.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed Brent Grimes. 2-years, worth $16.5M.
— NY Sports Fanatic (@Ralph1271) March 11, 2016
Houston Texans
In March 2009, Orlovsky signed a three-year, $9 million contract with the Houston Texans. Orlovsky lost the battle for the backup QB position, and Rex Grossman was named the backup for Houston. Grossman signed with Washington in the offseason, and Orlovsky inherited the backup QB role.
Indianapolis Colts
In July 2011, Orlovsky signed with the Indianapolis Colts. Orlovsky was cut amid the Colts getting down to their final 53-man roster. Orlovsky remained in the good graces of the Colts, and Indianapolis re-signed him later in the season.
Later in the 2011 season, Orlovsky was named the starting QB over Curtis Painter. Orlovsky played well during his stint with the Colts, notching his first win as an NFL starting QB in December 2011.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In 2012, Orlovsky signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Orlovsky and the Buccaneers had an on-again/off-again relationship.
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The Buccaneers released the backup signal-caller a year after signing his initial contract with Tampa Bay. Four days following his release, Orlovsky re-signed with the Buccaneers.
Los Angeles Rams
Dan Orlovsky, Drew Stanton say Rams got a gem in Stafford – Los Angeles Times https://t.co/3uZCXk1mSN
— Dan Kearney (@DanielPKearney) January 31, 2021
Orlovsky had a cup of coffee with the Los Angeles Rams. The well-traveled veteran signed with the Rams in July 2017 and was released in September. A month later, Orlovsky announced his retirement. The NFL commentator wouldn’t make his debut on TV for five years.