Dan Orlovsky has spent significant years breaking down football on ESPN! But, on April 2, 2025, he wasn’t talking about the statistics, instead, he was talking about his son. This time, the entire NFL Live studio was covered in artwork made by 13-year-old Madden Orlovsky, Dan’s autistic son. It was an overwhelming moment, as Orlovsky teared up introducing Madden’s work, calling his son’s ability to draw “his superpower.” And, he also shed light on his son’s struggle, as evident in the Pat McAfee show’s interview clip.

In the clip released on Instagram, Orlovsky mentions that Madden is one of three triplet boys, besides Hunter and Noah. And, from the start itself, Orlovsky and his wife had an inkling that “there might be something.” Madden’s fascination with animation began in infancy, as Orlovsky reveals, “I remember him being like a little baby watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and just literally thinking Mickey was real.”

And that’s the thing—Madden isn’t just a kid who likes to draw. He’s an artist. Orlovsky reveals, “It’s always been something that he’s been gravitated towards—drawing, creativity, and animation.” The Orlovsky family has multiple boxes of Madden’s artwork at home. Madden’s dad revealed that he was officially diagnosed with autism between the ages of two and three. Initially, it was fearsome due to uncertainty and “a lot of negatives attached to it.”

However, after seeing Madden’s artwork displayed at NFL Live, Orlovsky made sure to go back home and thank his wife. He told her, “Yo, that was unbelievable, and it doesn’t happen without you.” His wife has played an instrumental role in Madden’s development, taking him to speech and behavioral therapists and occupational therapists while navigating the school system.

Moreover, Orlovsky also took to thank everyone for the ESPN segment, adding, “You know that saying, ‘it takes a village’? That was kind of the representation of it yesterday.” It wasn’t just about Madden, but celebrating everyone who has helped him.

ESPN’s special gesture for Dan Orlovsky’s child

ESPN’s NFL Live made a strong impact on World Autism Awareness Day as they featured Madden’s artwork. It was the efforts of director Tim Farrell, who got acquainted with Madden’s drawings in 2024 through Orlovsky’s post. Farrell thus sought to make an unprecedented move, as he intended to transform the entire studio with Madden’s artwork. Orlovsky teared up with a hint of surprise and gratitude, saying, “You have no concept of what you just did.”

And, on D-day, Orlovsky introduced Madden’s Toy Story-inspired drawings and other animated characters. He said, “This is like him in his truest form.” Not just this, Madden also joined his dad as they hummed “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story.

During this, he used his markers as a microphone. As the event unfolded, ESPN’s Laura Rutledge had to fight back tears, while host Mike Greenberg also became overwhelmed. Not just sports, but it had a far-reaching impact as fans and media tagged it as ESPN’s most touching moments. As Farrell remarked, “Every autistic child has their own superpower, and this was Madden’s moment to show it.” And Madden definitely did!