Paige Spiranac jumps to defense of ESPN analyst amid ‘vile hate, threats and abuse’

Dan Orlovsky has caused quite a stir this week among NFL fans and analysts.

On Monday’s edition of ESPN’s Get Up, NFL analyst Orlovsky claimed that Ty Simpson is the best quarterback available in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

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It was a claim that did not sit well with others despite being endorsed by former New York Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum.

National media have crowned projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza as the face of the upcoming draft, and Orlovsky’s claims subjected him to intense criticism.

Not only did Mendoza enjoy the perfect college season, leading the Indiana Hoosiers to a national title, but he also took home the Heisman Trophy awarded to the best college football player.

NFL fans even speculated that Orlovsky was trying to boost Simpson’s draft stock because they are represented by the same agency.

The former Detroit Lions quarterback responded to his critics, posting a picture of a sign that read: “People often forget that kindness is free.”

His response was not well perceived by fans, with some claiming that Orlovsky was playing the victim.

Social media influencer Paige Spiranac shared her thoughts on the ongoing situation, reminding people it’s fair to dish out criticism, but they shouldn’t be crossing the line.

“I hate this narrative that Dan is playing the victim after a bad take,” Spiranac wrote online.

“Criticism over a public opinion is fair game, and I am sure he can handle it.

“But most people don’t realise the amount of vile hate, threats and abuse that is sent privately or even to family members.

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“This sort of behaviour shouldn’t be normalised. We can have disagreements and heated discussions without crossing the line.”

Pat McAfee responds to claim Orlovsky is playing the victim

Orlovsky appeared on The Pat McAfee show on Tuesday in an attempt to defend his claim, but was quickly called out by McAfee.

Orlovsky claimed that Mendoza had played in no big games, before McAfee was praised for challenging the statement.

Speaking on Wednesday, McAfee maintained that he has a strong relationship with the former quarterback, but doubled down on the idea that he is playing the victim.

“And, uh, Dan Orlovsky, had a long day on the internet yesterday,” McAfee said.

“So, we actually love Dan-O. He slammed himself right into this one, so that’s on him. But we know Dan-O… he will go back to the tape and continue to do his thing.

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“We appreciate Dan. We love Dan. And we, uh… I kind of hate how he does stuff and then plays victim, I don’t like how that happens.

“Dan-O genuinely believes everything he’s saying, and I think people need to give him a little bit more credit for that, even if he does ask dumb questions.”

All will be said and done in just under a month, when the NFL draft takes place in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.

Mendoza is expected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders where he will link up with running back Ashton Jeanty in the backfield as the franchise enters a new era.

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