tixwork-420×60
2025NFL

“Sounds Racist”: Dan Orlovsky Sparks Racism Outrage Following Controversial Comments Comparing Jalen Hurts & Justin Herbert [VIDEO]

4

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Dan Orlovsky on radio show.
Dan Orlovsky (Photo via Twitter)

Dan Orlovsky played quarterback at UConn before being selected by the Detroit Lions in the 2005 NFL Draft. He spent twelve seasons in the league, primarily serving as a reliable backup quarterback for multiple franchises. Furthermore, he is famously remembered for accidentally running out of the back of the end zone in 2008.

He officially retired from professional football in 2017 to pursue a new path in sports media. Following his playing career, he joined ESPN and quickly transformed into one of the network’s premier television personalities.

However, he tends to have his hiccups with his hot takes at times. This week, he was called out for why he likes certain quarterbacks over others.

Dan Orlovsky’s QB Answer Has People Accusing Him of Racism

Dan Orlovsky in suit
Dan Orlovsky (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky faced heavy social media backlash this week for displaying perceived double standards when evaluating elite NFL quarterbacks. Highly frustrated football fans explicitly called out the former passer for giving Justin Herbert constant structural excuses. Meanwhile, critics note that he routinely over-analyzes and nitpicks the continuous winning performances of Jalen Hurts.

Many commenters claimed his praise of certain players over others sounded like an intentional racial dog whistle. Consequently, the viral discussion centered heavily on a perceived lack of objectivity and fairness in his football analysis.

“That’s what it should look like” is an insane dog whistle for “he’s white,” one person said.

“So the QB should look tall and white,” a second fan added.

“That was legitimately one of the worst answers I’ve ever heard. No hyperbole. He said that’s what he should look like,” a third fan said of Dan Orlovsky.

“Dan stumbling over his words on why he likes Herbert over Hurts. “Uh…because that’s what a QB should look like.” Sounds racist,” one final person added.

Jalen Hurts vs. Justin Herbert

Dec 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) embraces Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) after the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts entered the NFL in 2020 and have built starkly different, highly successful careers. Herbert relies on elite arm talent, while Hurts thrives on versatile dual-threat production and championship experience.

Statistically, the Los Angeles Chargers’ gunslinger has accumulated 25,029 passing yards and 164 passing touchdowns over 96 regular-season games. Furthermore, Herbert won the 2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and has secured two career Pro Bowl selections.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback has thrown for 18,094 passing yards and 113 passing touchdowns in 94 career contests. However, Hurts dominates on the ground with an incredible 63 career rushing touchdowns, setting the single-season quarterback record with 15 scores.

Additionally, his team’s success sets him apart with three Pro Bowls, a Super Bowl appearance, and a Super Bowl MVP award. Consequently, the ultimate debate between them comes down to regular-season volume versus postseason hardware and leadership.

Teams