ESPN's Dan Orlovsky weighs in on Florida coach Jon Sumrall's pedicure preferences, immediately gets roasted
Florida Gators Coach’s Pedicure Preference Sparks Online Debate
Jon Sumrall, Florida’s first‑year head coach, made his debut at the SEC Media Days in Tampa last week and quickly became the subject of a social‑media firestorm—not for a play call, but for a personal grooming habit.
During a light‑hearted exchange at the event, Sumrall’s wife revealed that the former SEC linebacker enjoys regular pedicures. The comment, which circulated widely online, generated a wave of reactions that ranged from supportive to skeptical.
“The coach who once patrolled the SEC as a linebacker now enjoys having his feet taken care of,” one fan wrote, praising the coach’s openness. Others argued that the disclosure undermined Sumrall’s tough‑guy image, with some suggesting that a coach’s private habits should remain private.
The controversy, dubbed “Pedicuregate” by commentators, continued to grow after ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky weighed in. Appearing on the network’s morning program “Get Up” on Tuesday, Orlovsky was direct in his assessment.
“I have never gotten a pedicure, and I never will,” Orlovsky said. “I am completely against pedicures for dudes.”
His remarks were met with immediate pushback from co‑hosts, who questioned the logic of judging a man’s foot‑care routine. The online reaction was even more pointed. Critics noted that Orlovsky himself appears on television wearing makeup, drawing a contrast with his condemnation of male pedicures. Others referenced a memorable 2008 play in which Orlovsky, then quarterback for the Detroit Lions, stepped out of the back of the end zone during a game that ended the Lions’ winless 0‑16 season—a moment that has followed him throughout his broadcasting career.
Despite the criticism, a sizable contingent of fans—including supporters of teams other than Florida—rallied behind Sumrall. Many argued that there is no shame in a man seeking professional foot care, especially for someone who spent years on the gridiron.
Sumrall, who was hired earlier this year after serving as a defensive coach elsewhere in the conference, has quickly become a focal point of Media Days chatter. In addition to the pedicure discussion, he previously made headlines for a terse remark about a reporter’s cell phone, underscoring the intensity he brings to his new role.
The University of Florida has not issued a formal statement on the matter, and Sumrall has yet to address the pedicure revelation publicly.
The episode highlights how personal details—even those as seemingly trivial as foot‑care routines—can become a lightning rod in the high‑visibility world of college football coaching. As the new season approaches, Sumrall will look to shift the conversation back to the field, but for now the debate over pedicures continues to draw attention both on social media and in sports commentary.
