ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky made a comment this week that has left a good portion of the NFL community boiling up with anger.
During an appearance on ESPN’s “Unsportsmanlike,” Orlovsky was asked why he prefers Justin Herbert over Jalen Hurts. Initially, Orlovsky tried to defend Hurts by rattling off his history in Philadelphia and the improvements he’s made over the years.
“I don’t doubt Hurts; I’ve so far removed myself from doubting Hurts in no matter what situation,” Orlovsky said. “I think why you’re a fan of Herbert is because that’s what it should look like. Your brain tells you that’s what it should look like.”
Orlovsky’s “that’s what it should look like” comment has fans fuming on social media. Not only do they believe he’s dismissing Hurts and his accomplishments, they’re accusing him of being racist.
Dec 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) passes against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
“Dan Orlovsky says he favors Justin Herbert over Jalen Hurts cause ‘that’s what [playing QB] should look like.’ Dude could barely get the words out,” one fan said.
“Say you prefer WHITE QBs without saying you prefer WHITE QBs,” a second fan commented.
“Everything Orlovsky says here should disqualify him from providing NFL analysis for the “Worldwide Leader in Sports.” It won’t, but it should,” a third fan replied.
“We need to do everything in our power to make sure he’s never aired on tv again,” another fan declared.
“This is literally racist,” a social media user wrote.
Orlovsky fires back at his critics.
On Friday night, Orlovsky tried to defuse the situation by posting this message online: “I quite literally never said that. Stop making stuff up.”
Judging by the replies to Orlovsky’s post, NFL fans aren’t ready to let him off the hook just yet.
Barring a sudden turn of events, Orlovsky is expected to be on ESPN’s top shows Monday to recap Week 2 of the NFL season.
Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published September 19, 2026 at 5:33 AM.