Emotional Moment on ESPN as Host’s Son with Autism Shares Drawings, ‘It’s His Superpower’
An episode of ESPN's NFL Live drew national attention Wednesday when a panelist's child, who has autism, shared a series of drawings celebrating World Autism Day -- prompting tears from his proud father. The memorable episode included the typical football banter but also spotlighted the drawings of 13-year-old Madden Orlovsky, who sat in the studio as he worked on his artwork while his dad -- panelist Dan Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback -- talked sports with the other analysts.
Madden's drawings decorated the studio and appeared in on-screen graphics. The episode opened with a clip of the wide-eyed youngster walking into the studio, thrilled to see the artwork displayed. At the start of commercial breaks, Madden often unveiled new drawings.
World Autism Day was celebrated on April 2.
"His superpower is drawing. He loves art. He loves to draw animation characters," Dan Orlovsky said as he held back tears.
He credited NFL Live director Tim Farrell for the creative idea of using Madden's artwork throughout the one-hour show.
In one specific clip that went viral, Madden revealed a drawing from the Toy Story franchise.
"Who is Andy's first toy?" Madden asked the stumped panel, referencing the boy at the center of the story.
Madden then unveiled a drawing of Woody. Dan Orlovsky responded by singing the first few notes of the theme song You've Got a Friend in Me -- a nod to the movie -- before Madden jumped in to finish.
It's a special edition of NFL Live today as @danorlovsky7's son, Madden, has his drawings on display throughout the studio to honor World Autism Awareness Day 🧩
Way to go, Madden! pic.twitter.com/VI958WTJfx— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 2, 2025
Earlier in the show, Dan Orlovsky said Madden comes to life when he draws.
Wednesday's 'NFL Live' was one for the archives 🎨
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) April 3, 2025
See a sample of the overwhelming social reaction that 13-year-old Madden Orlovsky received for his drawings featured on the show in celebration of World Autism Awareness Day pic.twitter.com/hDYG8wHRM2
"This is him in his truest form -- like, his favorite thing in the world is to draw, to create characters, to create animated characters," the father said as photos of Madden's drawings appeared on the screen. "... He's incredibly talented at it."
The Orlovsky family has boxes full of Madden's drawings at their house, he said. At the end of the episode, Madden elicited laughter from the panel as he unveiled illustrations depicting ESPN hosts, including Laura Rutledge.
"He is a special dude," the father said.
Later, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Cried a lot today -- tears of being a proud dad."
Cried a lot today—tears of being a proud dad
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) April 2, 2025
🙏♥️ https://t.co/hb7Enuv8oq
Photo Credit: ©X/NFL on ESPN
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published April 04, 2025.
