:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55610203/492301506.0.jpg)
About two months after UConn’s May commencement ceremonies, UConn 2017 class of graduates have been receiving their diplomas through the mail. Former Husky quarterback Dan Orlovsky is one of those, earning his degree this past year after leaving in 2005 to pursue his NFL dreams.
When current head coach Randy Edsall returned to UConn, Orlovsky came back as well, helping out the program as a student assistant while taking classes. With his professional career winding down, Orlovsky accepted an invitation from Edsall to return to school, help out the program and finish up his remaining classes.
Orlovsky managed to do pretty well for himself in between 2005 and now, playing 12 NFL seasons after being selected in the fifth round in the 2005 NFL Draft, primarily as a backup quarterback for the Detroit Lions. Prior to playing professionally, Orlovsky set nearly every passing record imaginable for the Huskies, most of which still stand today, as he led the team through their transition to FBS and Big East football and their first-ever bowl appearance at the 2004 Motor City Bowl, which the Huskies won.