ESPN’s Ryan Clark, Stephen A. Smith Horrified by Dan Orlovsky’s Thanksgiving Meal

Thanksgiving meal choices and favorite dishes are frequent sources for debate, especially on sports TV and radio. And perhaps no current sports media personality’s food choices are more polarizing than those of ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky. 

So it shouldn’t be a surprise that these two dynamics collided in memorable fashion on ESPN’s First Take on Friday after Thanksgiving. When the topic of Thanksgiving meals came up, Orlovsky gave an answer that tested the resolve of both Ryan Clark and Stephen A. Smith. 

“I didn’t eat a lot of turkey. I didn’t eat a lot of Thanksgiving food,” Orlovsky admitted. “I went like macaroni and cheese, and Caesar salad.” 

First Take host Molly Qerim gave a polite “O.K.” in response, seemingly acknowledging that a choice was made. But Clark’s “Oh, my God!” provided the punctuation for the segment. His reaction is worth watching. Smith also appeared disappointed by Orlovsky’s revelation.

Check out the humorous clip below: 

Of course Dan Orlovsky didn't have a normal Thanksgiving meal. Ryan Clark's face says it all. pic.twitter.com/HUtVMfTPwb

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 24, 2023

Orlovsky’s smile indicated that he knew his answer would draw the response it did. It almost makes you wonder if he was trolling the panel. But the analyst’s food opinions already have drawn enough curiosity and bewilderment that he was likely sincere in his answer. 

In Orlovsky’s defense, macaroni and cheese and Caesar salad are not objectionable choices as part of a Thanksgiving meal. Many people probably enjoyed those as part of their feast. 

However, basing his entire meal on those two dishes likely is what drew the incredulous reaction. Those can–and are–eaten frequently throughout the year. Why pass on the opportunity to eat something special, a signature dish associated with Thanksgiving?