Dan Orlovsky was brought to tears Thursday on ESPN’s “NFL Live,” where he was joined on-air by his 14-year-old autistic son, Madden, as the program recognized World Autism Awareness Day.
The studio show spotlighted Madden’s drawings and his passion for the Eagles, with the teen breaking out the Birds’ fight song, “Fly Eagles Fly,” in what was an emotional moment for Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback.
“Good job, bud,” Orlovsky said while holding back tears.
When Madden asked, “Are you crying?” his proud father replied, “Yeah, because I love you. Good job.”
Madden, one of Orlovsky’s four children with wife Tiffany, then gave a heartfelt shoutout to his family as the ESPN personality, 42, looked on.
“Mom, I love you,” Madden began. “Hunter, you’re my favorite twin. Noah, I do like you, and Lennon, you’re a good sister.”
As Madden spoke into the camera, Orlovsky wiped tears away from his face before warmly embracing his son.
It was a special day for Madden, who also received a personal video message and swag bag from star Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith.
Orlovsky’s wife, Tiffany, later praised her husband’s colleagues, Laura Rutledge and Field Yates, for their support of Madden.
“I honestly have no words for how wonderful you two are. Thank you!” she gushed in an Instagram Story. “You both hold a special place in my heart … and I’m sure Madden’s.
This isn’t the first time Madden and Orlovsky have shared a heartfelt on-air moment.
During World Autism Awareness Day last year, Madden sang Randy Newman’s song, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” while holding up a drawing of Woody from the “Toy Story” franchise.
A teary-eyed Orlovsky beamed during Madden’s performance.
Orlovsky has been at ESPN since 2018 after spending 12 years in the league largely as a backup quarterback.
His stops included the Lions, Texans, Colts, Buccaneers and Rams.
World Autism Awareness Day has been recognized on April 2 every year since being desginated by the United National General Assembly in 2007.
April is Autism Acceptance Month.
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