Sports media is currently experiencing what can only be described as its professional wrestling era, where the line between reality and performance often blurs. A prime example of this dynamic is the playful jabbing between Bill Simmons and Nick Wright, with Wright often throwing sharper shots at ESPN personalities, particularly Dan Orlovsky, whom he has been antagonizing lately.
Their tension has escalated over previous clashes, including when Wright labeled Josh Allen as “overrated.” Recently, he took a pointed jab at Orlovsky, implying that certain media members who weren’t as talented as Sam Darnold during their playing careers are frequently the first to defend him. Now, Wright is targeting Orlovsky once more.
“[Dan] Orlovsky is so comfortable criticizing people in his current profession, sports media, and would never dare criticize people in his former position, NFL quarterback… He said to Shannon on television, ‘it’s not my job to criticize a quarterback who was better than me.’”… pic.twitter.com/HJPhxT2PVV
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) January 29, 2025
During an appearance on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, Wright remarked, “Orlovsky is so comfortable criticizing people in his current profession — sports media — and would never dare criticize people in his former profession — NFL quarterbacks.” He suggested that he is simply trying to balance the universe. While he acknowledged that “everyone likes Dan; I’m sure he’s nice,” he precisely noted, “Keep that same energy.” Wright pointed out Orlovsky’s statement to Shannon Sharpe, questioning the courage it takes to criticize those in a profession he finds easier to tackle.
Wright clarified that his critiques are not an attack on Orlovsky’s character. He respects what he has heard about the ESPN NFL analyst from mutual friends who admire him. However, Wright expresses frustration over what he perceives as Orlovsky’s hypocrisy, especially regarding his reluctance to critique “sacred cows” like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.
“As the kids say on Twitter, ‘The noticers are noticing,’ and maybe I’m just noticing,” Wright added. Orlovsky, aware of the scrutiny, responded to Wright’s comments but did not directly address the hypocrisy. He countered Wright’s claims by stating, “Yea[h], this just isn’t accurate. It’s a made-up thing, and there is proof and evidence of me being ‘critical’ of the very best QBs in the NFL.”
Yea this just isn’t accurate.
It’s a made-up thing and there is proof and evidence of me being “critical” of the very best QBs in the NFL.
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Aaron— and what I said in the moment that Nick references is “it’s not my job to go on TV and say…— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 30, 2025
Orlovsky further explained that what he meant was, “It’s not my job to go on TV and say this player is absolutely awful.” He consistently faces scrutiny for his quarterback critiques, or perceived lack thereof. Former panelist Cris Carter even commented that Orlovsky shouldn’t be on TV if he avoids criticizing Aaron Rodgers. This sentiment has been echoed by Shannon Sharpe, who suggested that Orlovsky is merely “carrying water” for the troubled Jets quarterback.
Despite this backlash, Orlovsky maintains that ESPN hires him for nuanced analysis rather than to vilify quarterbacks like Allen. He differentiates himself from colleagues like Stephen A. Smith, who are known for taking hot takes without substantial backing. Instead, Orlovsky focuses on providing depth and color in his analyses, avoiding the sensationalist route of declaring, “Insert quarterback sucks.”
However, Wright finds it difficult to reconcile his respect for Orlovsky with the apparent reluctance to criticize elite quarterbacks—labeling them as “sacred cows.” This perception likens Orlovsky to Seth Greenberg, who defends college coaches on the air. Orlovsky would vehemently dispute the idea that he is a quarterback shill, as he holds firmly to his stance on his analytical approach. Ultimately, it’s a contentious ticket for both analysts as they navigate these debates and the principles of their respective roles in sports media.
