Dan Orlovsky’s 13-year-old son, Madden, was diagnosed with autism more than a decade ago, but he found a way to express himself. His family calls drawing his “superpower.” He creates characters, expresses emotion through art, and has filled boxes at home with those memories. Now, those drawings have found their way into ESPN’s studio.

On NFL Live for World Autism Awareness Day, Madden’s artworks were the studio graphics. One of the drawings even featured his favorite NFL squad: the Philadelphia Eagles. Madden sang the Eagles’ fight song, talked about his drawings, and listed out all the things he loves: Eagles, pizza, cheeseburgers, French fries, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and chocolate ice cream. And then the family shoutout hit.

“I want to tell this to Hunter, Noah, Lenny, and Mom, if they’re watching this,” Madden said, looking straight into the camera. “Mom, I love you. Hunter, you’re my favorite twin. Noah, I do like you. And Lenny, you’re a good sister. I have great autism. Thank you all for supporting me.”

Hearing his son express himself so freely, Dan was moved to tears on camera. After Madden finished the message to his family, the two shared an emotional moment as Orlovsky hugged his son. Madden then remembered he had another message to share, and this one was for his friends.

“Thank you, friends,” Madden said, looking back into the camera. “Thank you for hanging out with us.”

Years of speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavior therapy have helped Madden on his journey. Dan Orlovsky even moved the family to Westport, Connecticut, for better schools. 

The latest move by ESPN wasn’t the first of its kind either. Even last year on NFL Live, Madden’s drawings had replaced the show’s graphics for World Autism Awareness Day.

Producer Tim Farrell saw a tweet by Dan featuring a ‘Toy Story’ drawing by Madden, and made it all happen. That moment had gone viral at the time, and the same was true for Madden’s latest appearance on ESPN.

The NFL squad cheers for Madden Orlovsky

The NFL community, including voices from ESPN and beyond, lined up to praise the Orlovskys. Pat McAfee, for one, led the crowd in cheering for the father-son duo.

“This is beautiful,” McAfee wrote on his X handle, reposting the clip. “Hell yeah Madden.. You don GOOD @danorlovsky7.”

McAfee and Orlovsky have often had heated on-camera debates, but there was no argument here when it came to Madden showcasing his artwork. Laura Rutledge, Orlovsky’s co-host who saw Madden steal the show in person, didn’t need any more words to share her support and reposted the clip with two emojis: “😭❤️.”

Even NFL on ESPN’s social handle couldn’t look away from Madden’s talent and spotlighted his work on their X handle, while praising Madden.

“In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, the NFL Live Studio is filled with drawings from @danorlovsky7’s son, Madden,” they wrote. “Great work, Madden.”

The fans weren’t far behind with their wishes either. Very impressed with the way Madden presented himself, one person commended ESPN for their sweet gesture.

“@danorlovsky7 deserves to cry all the happy & proud dad tears after that!!,” they wrote. “Madden is a boy of many talents!! What a beautiful & special way to celebrate #WorldAutismAwarenessDay!!! Kuddos to everyone @espn for putting that together!!”

Another fan was emotional after watching the exchange between Dan and Madden, and shared their encouragement.

“That hug and the way Madden said he loves his family straight to the camera got me,” the fan wrote. “Reminds me that the best moments aren’t scripted, they’re when our kids feel safe enough to be fully themselves. Well done, Orlovsky fam.”

Sports TV usually scripts the tears, tributes, and takeaways. Dan Orlovsky’s family rewrote the formula by showing up raw. Madden’s drawings, his Eagles song, and his love for pizza and his siblings had the biggest impact on everyone.