When Damar Hamlin collapsed from cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game in early 2023, the nation held its breath. Social media was flooded with “thoughts and prayers,” but former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky decided to do something more—he actually prayed.

Live on national television.

“I heard the Buffalo Bills organization say that ‘We believe in prayer,'” Orlovsky recalled. “And maybe this is not the right thing to do, but it’s just on my heart, and I want to pray for Damar Hamlin right now.”

So, the analyst bowed his head on ESPN’s NFL Live, closed his eyes, and lifted up a heartfelt prayer:

“God, we come to you in these moments that we don’t understand, that are hard because we believe that you’re God… We just want to pray, truly come to you and pray for strength for Damar, for healing for Damar, for comfort for Damar.”

Now, more than two years later, Orlovsky says it was one of the most powerful—and humbling—moments of his broadcasting career.

“It was uncomfortable,” he admitted on the Awful Announcing podcast. “Everyone keeps saying ‘thoughts and prayers, thoughts and prayers.’ And I thought to myself, ‘Someone should actually pray for Damar — like actually pray for him — instead of just saying it.'”

He said he wrestled internally before praying live, especially knowing that public expressions of faith can be divisive. “I started to have this feeling in my heart: ‘OK, Dan, God’s telling you, go pray for Damar.'”

After checking in with his colleagues, he followed through—and the response was overwhelming.

“99.999999999% of the reaction was positive,” Orlovsky said. “Did I get an email or a message here and there from people who said it wasn’t their cup of tea? Sure. But overwhelmingly, I think people connected with it.”

Orlovsky says he received full support from his employer. “I didn’t have any negative feedback or pushback… nothing. I think it meant a lot to a lot of people.”

That moment of bold faith left an impression on millions—and, by God’s grace, Hamlin’s story didn’t end on that field. After a week in the hospital, the Buffalo Bills safety made a stunning recovery and returned to play in the 2024 season opener. He’s now a key part of the team’s defense.

For Orlovsky, that moment of obedience is a reminder that faith—even when it feels uncomfortable—can be exactly what the world needs to see.

“Sometimes, you just have to follow what God puts on your heart,” he said. “And let Him take care of the rest.”