Troy Aikman Open to Front-Office Role with Cowboys Amid Broadcast Uncertainty
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman said he would meet with owner Jerry Jones to discuss a possible front-office position as his ESPN contract approaches its end, NBC Sports reported on 24 October. The comments came after months of speculation about Aikman's future on Night Football. Earlier reports in July described a growing rift between Aikman and co-host Joe Buck after Buck secured a new five-year ESPN deal, with sources saying Aikman felt excluded (Sports Media Watch; NBC Sports). Aikman later confirmed he would finish the season as a free agent and was open to new opportunities, declining to comment on the reported tension (NBC Sports).
NFL media chief Hans Schroeder said the league was not concerned about the rumors (NBC Sports). Subsequent reports noted that ESPN had not begun contract talks with Aikman and that his consulting work for the Miami Dolphins could affect his chances of securing another high-pay broadcasting role (Fox News; NBC Sports). Front Office Sports later reported that ESPN was evaluating former players and analysts as possible successors for the booth.
