At a time when sentiment is growing that Troy Aikman will leave ESPN/ABC after the 2026 season, Aikman appears to be dealing with a vague situation the same way a Hall of Fame quarterback would.
By not turning away and not mincing words.
Appearing Thursday morning on 96.7 The Ticket in Dallas, Aikman was specifically asked about Wednesday’s story of tension between him and his on-air partner of 25 years, Joe Buckwhich would have given rise to a recent argument between them.
“There’s probably a time and place for all thissaid Aikman, via Joseph Hoyt of Dallas Morning News. “I don’t know if it’s time. I don’t know if it’s hard to understand what happened. I’ll stream through this season and be a free agent at the end of the year and see what happens. I can’t wait to see what the rest of this season has in store for me, the Super Bowl and all that and where my next landing spot might be.”
While Aikman chose not to address the situation with Buck — while not denying that tensions existed — Aikman’s comments strongly suggest that he plans to leave Monday Night Football when his contract expires after Super Bowl LXI.
He said he “would be a free agent.” He said he would look forward to “where my next landing point will be.”
When Aikman addressed the situation last month, after it was announced that Buck had signed a new five-year deal, Aikman’s approach was more of a wait-and-see atmosphere. Now the message seems to be more like “See you later”.
It’s stunning that this is all coming to a head with so many weeks left before the 2026 season. Add in the fact that ESPN is broadcasting its first-ever Super Bowl and the Buck-Aikman relationship becomes a focal point as the year continues to unfold.
It all culminates in a four-hour broadcast that will be watched by more than 100 million people, and which could end with Aikman singing, not signing. Turn off the lights, the party’s over but by quoting the refrain of Take this job and push it.
Gn sports
