Dan Orlovsky hints at possible ESPN exit with ‘First Take’ message
Dan Orlovsky’s message Monday morning to his “First Take” co-stars and the ESPN audience has raised some eyebrows.
After telling Stephen A. Smith, Molly Qerim, Shannon Sharpe and viewers that he would not be on television for a while, the former NFL quarterback left observers wondering if he was alluding to his future at the network being up in the air.
“You guys know this is the end of the season for me, certainly for RC [Ryan Clark] as well. I’m taking a break, won’t be on TV for a long time,” Orlovsky said. “Just want to say thank you to you guys, Stephen A., Molly, Shannon for a great season. Loved being with you guys, love y’all. Never know what the future holds, but I’m taking a break and I’m sure RC is as well, so just wanted to say thank you. Appreciate you guys so much.”
Orlovsky then responded to a fan on X who thought his comments seemed like a “leaving the network speech.”
“Lotta decision [sic] to be made. See what happens,” Orlovsky wrote. “I’m grateful for it all.”
The 41-year-old’s contract is up this year, and it appears Orlovsky is at least bracing for the possibility that his career may continue elsewhere.
Orlovsky has expressed interest in the past about joining a coaching staff in the NFL.
“The more I get away from being done playing, the greater the pull back to it,” Orlovsky told Dan Patrick last month. “Just because of the competitive drive.”
Then-Post columnist Andrew Marchand reported in May 2022 that Orlovsky was staying with ESPN after being pursued by Fox Sports.
In addition to his studio duties on “First Take,” “Get Up” and “NFL Live,” Orlovsky was added to ESPN’s No. 2 NFL booth, where this year he called games with Louis Riddick and Chris Fowler. He replaced Brian Griese, who left to become the 49ers quarterbacks coach.
Fox wanted Orlovsky to front a five-day-a-week studio show and also call some games.
Orlovsky joined ESPN in 2018 after retiring from the NFL the year prior.
He made 26 appearances, including 12 starts, during his pro career with the Lions, Texans, Colts and Buccaneers.
