NFL: Super Bowl LIV-Fox Sports Press Conference
Jan 28, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; Fox Sports broadcaster Troy Aikman speaks with the media during Fox Sports media day at the Miami Beach convention center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports Credit: USA TODAY Sports (Reuters)
Troy Aikman is entering the fifth and final year of his ESPN contract, covering Monday Night Football for the network.
Aikman and Joe Buck, whose extension was recently finalized, have worked together since 2002. They came over to ESPN from FOX in 2022.
While Buck’s future is certain, Aikman admitted on the “Sports Media with Richard Deitsch” podcast that he has not been approached by the network to negotiate a deal. His current contract ends after Buck and he call the Super Bowl on February 14, 2027.
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Would ESPN replace Aikman?
Oct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Hall of Fame quterback Troy Aikman stands with his Monday Night Football Broadcast announcer Joe Buck before a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Aikman says he was brought over from FOX, along with Buck in 2022, to strengthen the relationship between the NFL and ESPN. He thinks that job is done.
It is hard to envision Buck and Aikman not working together until one or both decide to retire.
To that end, Aikman said he wants to continue working with Buck at ESPN.
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Aikman has always had a follow-on deal
This is uncharted territory for Aikman who has always had a follow-on deal in the works or negotiated before his contract ended.
He will continue the preparation and work ethic NFL fans have come to expect of him as a player and commentator.
Aikman said: “This my 26th season in broadcasting and every year I’ve given it everything I have. I’m excited to be calling another Super Bowl. It will have been eight years since we called one when we were always in that three-year rotation. Where it all lands when it’s all said and done, I’ll be as interested as anybody to see what that might look like.”
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