Former UConn quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said Thursday that his family is dealing with a sudden loss after his brother-in-law died unexpectedly.
Orlovsky said on X that “This weekend, our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy. My brother-in-law, Fed, passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind my sister and their three amazing boys,” he wrote. “There are no words to describe the heartbreak of losing a husband, a partner, and a father so suddenly.
“In the midst of trying to process this devastating loss, my sister is now facing the overwhelming reality of navigating life as a solo parent and a single-income household, all while helping her boys cope with the loss of their dad.”
Federico Lascano is survived by his wife, Christine, and their three sons: Brayden, 18, Cameron, 16, and Colton, 11. A cause of death was not announced.
Orlovsky also shared a GoFundMe to help the family with expenses, and wrote: “No family should have to face this kind of heartbreak, and no one should have to worry about how they will manage financially while trying to put the pieces of their lives back together,” he wrote on X. “Thank you for showing up for my sister and my nephews when they need it most. Our family is heartbroken, but we are so grateful for the love and support surrounding them during this unimaginable time.”
The fundraiser had raised more than $77,000 by Thursday afternoon toward a $120,000 goal for bills, costs and future education.
Orlovsky, a Shelton native, starred at quarterback at UConn before spending 13 seasons in the NFL. He has worked as a college football and NFL analyst for ESPN and ABC since 2018.
In Other News...
Brian Branch Could Decide If The Lions Defense Can Be Saved
The Lions have spent much of the season searching for answers on defense, and the recent win over the Arizona Cardinals offered at least a small sign that the group can tighten up. Even so, the unit remains buried near the bottom of the league in several key areas, which is why Brian Branchs return has taken on so much importance around the building.
Branch is expected back after missing time since December with a torn Achilles, and the Lions know there will be some rust to work through once hes on the field again. But his versatility is exactly the kind of piece Detroit has been missing, the sort of player who can change the look and feel of a defense that badly needs help in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Bye Week Puts Fresh Focus On Roster Needs Ahead
The early bye week has given Detroit a rare chance to reset its roster as much as its game plan, with Brian Branch expected back in the mix and the front office also looking to patch holes created by three players landing on injured reserve. For a Lions team trying to stay ahead of the curve, the pause in the schedule is arriving at a useful time, offering a window to think beyond the immediate week-to-week grind and toward the bigger picture of where depth still needs help.
That is where the college scouting lens comes in, with a fresh look at several prospects who could fit the kinds of needs Detroit may be preparing to address. Smith, Jackson Jr., Tengesdal, Satuala and Borjon each bring a different profile, and the evaluations attached to them range from strengths that pop on recent film to concerns that keep their draft ranges from getting too cozy. With upcoming college games still ahead, the Lions have time to keep gathering information, but the list is already a reminder that the bye week is about more than rest. [Read more 🡒]
Aidan Hutchinson May Finally Have What Lions Fans Have Wanted
Aidan Hutchinsons start to the 2026 season has been solid, if not yet the sort of dominant run Lions fans have been waiting for. He has four sacks and a pass rush win rate that ranks in the 66th percentile, and while Detroits defense has had its share of issues, ESPN analyst Seth Walder still sees a path to Defensive Player of the Year if Hutchinson can take another step and the unit around him gives him more support.
DJ Wonnums emergence may be part of the reason that path suddenly looks more realistic. Hutchinson has praised the way the two edge rushers complement each other and has talked about wanting both players, and the Lions, to keep building on that chemistry. For a pass rush that has often leaned too heavily on Hutchinson alone, the next stretch could determine whether he keeps drawing the kind of attention that turns a good season into a special one. [Read more 🡒]
