Orlovsky Calls Audible; Boldly Prays for Damar Hamlin on ESPN Broadcast

ESPN Football Analyst Dan Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback, called an audible in front of a live television audience yesterday. Talking about “thoughts and prayers” just wasn’t enough for the former University of Connecticut star.

Orlovsky, a Christian and contributor on the All Pro Dads website, assessed the situation and boldly decided to put his faith into action by praying for Damar Hamlin, a Buffalo Bills defensive back who was in critical condition. On Monday Night Football, Hamlin’s received CPR on the field after his heart stopped during a violent tackle.

“Football gave me everything. Even through the midst of absolute tragedy last night, I think you saw some of the beauty of football as well, that has brought us all here together,” Orlovsky said.

“This is a little bit different. I heard all day [about] thoughts and prayers…you just heard Jonathan Allen say, ‘All we can do is pray for him.’ I’ve heard the Buffalo Bills organization say that we believe in prayer. Maybe this is not the right thing to do, but it’s just on my heart. I want to pray for Damar Hamlin right now.

“I’m going to do it out loud. I’m going to close my eyes. I’m going to bow my head and I’m just going to pray for him: God, we come to you in these moments that we don’t understand, that are hard, because we believe that you are God and coming to you and praying to you has impact. We’re sad, we’re angry. And we want answers, but some things are unanswerable. We just want to pray, truly come to you, and pray for strength for Damar, for healing for Damar, for comfort for Damar. To be with his family to give them peace. If we didn’t believe that prayer worked, we wouldn’t ask this of you. God. I believe in prayer. We believe in prayer. We lift up Damar Hamlin’s name in your name. Amen. Amen,”

“Amen,” said co-host Laura Rutledge.

“Amen,” said co-host Marcus Spears.

“Beautiful,” said Rutledge.

“Respectfully,” said Spears.

Rutledge concluded the segment by saying, “I will just reiterate how secondary football is in all of this. We are thinking and praying, as you’ve seen here, for Damar Hamlin and his family, and truly hoping for some better news.”

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