Dan Orlovsky has been a key figure in ESPN’s NFL coverage since joining the network over six years ago. However, with the 2024 season now concluded, he is preparing for a break and seems uncertain about his future on ESPN. “You guys know this is the end of the season for me, certainly for [Ryan Clark] as well. I’m taking a break, won’t be on TV for a long time,” the former NFL quarterback expressed during his final appearance on First Take. He took a moment to thank his colleagues, including Stephen A., Molly [Qerim], and Shannon [Sharpe], stating, “I just want to say thank you to you guys. I love you all. You never know what the future holds, but I’m taking a break. I’m sure R.C. is as well. So I just want to say thank you. I appreciate you guys so much.”
To lighten the mood, Sharpe quickly followed up with a joke about the size of Orlovsky’s ears. In a relevant Twitter post, a user highlighted Orlovsky’s candid farewell, noting his uncertainty about the future: “I’m taking a break, won’t be on TV for a long time… never know what the future holds but I’m taking a break… just want to say thank you…”
Dan Orlovsky hints at an uncertain future at ESPN while signing off from his final appearance on First Take during the NFL season. pic.twitter.com/aeuNti2uPz
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 10, 2025
While Orlovsky’s farewell carried a sense of finality, it may not be the last we hear from him. Reports indicate his contract with ESPN is set to expire later this year. The 41-year-old, who re-signed with ESPN in 2022 after interest from Fox, has hinted at a desire to move into coaching, a topic frequently discussed each NFL offseason.
It’s still unclear whether Orlovsky plans to pursue opportunities elsewhere, whether that be at another network or in a coaching capacity, or if he’s simply leveraging his position as his current contract concludes. In a response on X to a user referencing his First Take farewell, he acknowledged that there are “a lotta decisions to be made” in what is increasingly becoming a significant narrative within sports media this offseason.
