ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky has voiced strong concerns about the state of youth sports in the U.S., calling it “completely broken.” Drawing on his own experiences as a professional athlete and father of four, Orlovsky outlined the systemic issues plaguing youth sports and shared actionable steps to restore its original purpose.
In an interview with USA Today, Orlovsky, who played seven seasons in the NFL, explained the factors that have derailed youth sports, including ego-driven coaching, an unhealthy focus on winning, and a lack of commitment to player development.
“I think the emphasis on ego from the coaches has completely overwhelmed youth sports. I think the emphasis on winning and losing has completely overwhelmed youth sports. I think the lack of commitment to development has completely overwhelmed youth sports,” Orlovsky, 41, said. “We have lost sight of why kids play sports.”
The Burden of Expectations on Young Athletes
As a father to a nine-year-old daughter and 12-year-old triplet sons, Orlovsky has a personal connection to the challenges kids face in sports today. He noted the mounting pressure placed on children, particularly in competitive environments.
“The unfortunate card that they got dealt is every game that they go to, there’s expectations,” he said. Orlovsky emphasized that this culture of expectation often robs children of the joy and benefits that sports are meant to provide, such as teamwork, personal growth, and pure fun.
Partnering with All Pro Dad
In response to these concerns, Orlovsky has become a spokesperson for All Pro Dad, a program that encourages intentional and supportive fatherhood. While he acknowledges that being a great parent isn’t something that comes naturally, Orlovsky emphasizes the importance of deliberate effort.
“Probably being a dad for me is not even close to being the most important thing I’ll ever do in my life,” he said. “I don’t think that I was naturally born with elite dad skills.”
Through All Pro Dad, Orlovsky follows four guiding principles to help navigate the challenges of parenting in the world of youth sports.
Orlovsky’s Four Tenets for Better Parenting in Youth Sports
- Be Intentional About Your Approach
Orlovsky believes parents often replicate the models they saw growing up but emphasizes the importance of intentionality. “I tell my friends who are dads, ‘Hey, I know you’re super intense and want the best for your son. I get it. But let me show you how your child might be feeling when you act or speak that way,’” he said. By stepping back, parents can better align their approach with their kids’ needs. - Ask: ‘What Do You Need From Me?’
Orlovsky underscores that every child’s sports experience is unique and that parents need to listen.
“I ask my kids, ‘What do you want from me to be your best?’” he shared. “Just because I played this sport doesn’t mean I know how they feel or what they’re experiencing. Their journey is their own.” - Focus on Their Joy
Parents should emphasize the aspects of sports their kids love the most. Orlovsky shared how one of his children, who isn’t interested in sports, taught him valuable lessons about being a more adaptable and empathetic father. “He’s made me an exponentially better dad because he’s forced me to engage with things I’m not naturally interested in.” - Winning and Losing Is for the Kids, Not the Parents
The hyper-competitive nature of youth sports often stems from adults rather than the kids themselves, Orlovsky said. “Winning and losing should be about the kids. Youth sports should start as kids running around with their friends and grow into learning teamwork, toughness, hard work, and commitment. The focus should be on learning what it takes to win—not just winning itself.”
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Restoring the Heart of Youth Sports
For Orlovsky, the key to fixing youth sports is returning to its roots. He believes sports should be a platform for children to learn valuable life skills, build friendships, and develop resilience—not a battleground for adult egos or financial gain.
“Kids should be playing youth sports to be running around outside with their friends,” Orlovsky said. “Then it grows into learning what it’s like to be on a team, to be physically tough, mentally tough, to work hard, and to commit. Winning should come as a byproduct of those lessons, not the primary goal.”
As a former professional athlete and father, Orlovsky’s insights highlight the need for a cultural shift in youth sports, one that prioritizes development, joy, and learning over competition and results.
His partnership with All Pro Dad aims to inspire parents and coaches to rethink their roles, ensuring that sports remain a positive force in kids’ lives.
