“CAA Has Never Asked Me to Say Anything” – Dan Orlovsky Shuts down Ty Simpson Narrative Claims

Dan Orlovsky makes it clear that CAA has not tasked him to promote Ty Simpson.

“CAA Has Never Asked Me to Say Anything” – Dan Orlovsky Shuts down Ty Simpson Narrative Claims

Ty Simpson and Dan Orlovsky inside the circle (Image via IMAGO/X)

In Short
  • Dan Orlovsky faced criticism for favoring Ty Simpson over Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.
  • He clarified that CAA has never influenced his opinions or statements regarding players.
  • Orlovsky compared Simpson's playing style to NFL quarterbacks Brock Purdy, Caleb Williams, and Baker Mayfield.

Dan Orlovsky received criticism on social media for backing Alabama alum Ty Simpson as a better quarterback over the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza. Orlovsky even urged the Las Vegas Raiders, owners of the first overall draft pick, to select Simpson instead of Mendoza.

Fans accused the ESPN contributor of bias after discovering that Orlovsky and Simpson share the same agent. Speaking on the Ross Tucker podcast, the former NFL signal caller clarified that this is not the first time fans have lobbied against him.

Orlovsky remembered going through something similar when he picked Drake Maye to win the league MVP over Matthew Stafford. Orlovsky would not have known that Maye is also part of the same talent agency, CAA, if it weren’t for the social media detectives.

But that doesn’t change the fact that the players pay the agents, not the other way around. So, it makes little sense for CAA to bark orders to its own clients.

I’ve said this, CAA… you don’t work for them, they work for you. That’s not meant to be in a disparaging way; [Because] the agent works for the talent. They are an employee of yours. CAA’s never asked me to say anything, so I don’t get it, but people make up narratives.

Orlovsky said on Ross Tucker Podcast

CAA is a massive agency that caters to several big-name personalities all over the world. Knowing everyone’s name is practically impossible. Moreover, Orlovsky revealed that he is not even one of the top earners, so why would the agency give him priority?

I don’t make enough money for me to matter to CAA in that regard. If I wasn’t a CAA client, they’re still going to be a good business.

Orlovsky said

He can easily opt to leave CAA and hire a different agency. Considering he has a decent enough pull-on TV and social media, any competitor of CAA would instantly grab the chance to make him part of their family.

Dan Orlovsky reveals Ty Simpson’s NFL comparisons

Simpson committed to Bama around the time when Covid was at its peak. He officially joined the Crimson Tide in 2020 but had to sit behind the likes of Mac Jones, Bryce Young, and Jalen Milroe.

“CAA Has Never Asked Me to Say Anything” - Dan Orlovsky Shuts down Ty Simpson Narrative Claims
Ty Simpson (Image via IMAGO)

He made a total of 16 starts in his first three years before taking over as the starter in 2025. He posted an 11-4 record from 15 appearances, including a defeat in the Rose Bowl against Indiana. Simpson’s form took a dip towards the end following an injury. He finished with 305 completions for 3567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.

Orlovsky drew parallels between Simpson’s playing style and three NFL quarterbacks: Brock Purdy, Caleb Williams, and Baker Mayfield.

Brock [Purdy’s] a very aggressive quarterback. I would tell you the flaw of Ty [Simpson] a little bit–and I’m not putting them in these categories… I remember when Caleb [Williams] came out, it was like, ‘Caleb, you don’t have to run around and make a play all the time.’ Ty has a little bit of that, not the high-end talent that Caleb has.

Orlovsky said

From Orlovsky’s observation, Simpson has a similar drive to Mayfield that has made the former Sooner one of the best clutch quarterbacks in the NFL.

As for the perfect fit for Simpson, Orlovsky had the Miami Dolphins in his mind until they traded for Malik Willis. Now he sees either the New York Jets or the Pittsburgh Steelers fighting for him in the draft.

Also Read: