ESPN's Troy Aikman was seen choking back tears as he and broadcast partner Joe Buck addressed the passing of their Monday Night Football colleague, David Moulton.
The 60-year-old worked as a network spotter and Aikman's right-hand man during MNF broadcasts, typically tracking down pertinent information and seamlessly relaying it to the booth. Moulton had been battling renal cell cancer for the better part of the last six years, his wife, Julie, told the Fort Myers News-Press.
'He was a fighter right up until the end,' Aikman said before stopping himself as his voice began quivering. 'I'm sorry… He left a hole in a lot of people's hearts. Just a good man.'
Buck responded solemnly.
'He is missed up here, and well said,' Buck told Aikman.
The touching moment came amid reported friction between Buck and Aikman, but both men appeared to put any differences aside to honor their colleague.
Troy Aikman was emotional as ESPN remembered David Moulton on the Cowboys-Eagles MNF broadcast. 📺🎙️❤️ https://t.co/V3pajPW08c pic.twitter.com/Ke7wL3orrD— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 27, 2026
ESPN's Troy Aikman was seen choking back tears as he and broadcast partner Joe Buck addressed the passing of their Monday Night Football colleague, David Moulton
Moulton worked as a network spotter and Aikman's right-hand man during MNF broadcasts, typically tracking down pertinent information and seamlessly relaying it to the booth
TRENDING
Tom Brady and Candice Swanepoel were 'dating in secret for months'
In recent years, Moulton had been working alongside Aikman and Buck on ESPN's MNF coverage. He previously worked with the duo during Fox's NFL coverage, as well as taking up a similar role for SEC games on CBS alongside Gary Danielson.
It didn't take long for his former colleagues to pen emotional tributes on social media.
Taking to Instagram, Aikman wrote: 'Since 2018, David Moulton has been my right-hand man in the broadcast booth. What started as a professional relationship became a friendship I have cherished.
'David was loyal, dependable and a warrior until the very end. He deserved better. My heart breaks for his family and all who loved him.
'I'm grateful for the years we shared and will miss him deeply. Rest in peace big guy'.
Meanwhile, on behalf of Danielson, CBS Sports reporter Jenny Dell wrote: 'Gary Danielson doesn't have social media, but he asked me to share these words in memory of our dear friend, David Moulton.
Moulton was described as Aikman's 'right-hand man' during his years in the booth
Moulton, right, worked for the likes of ESPN, Fox, CBS and NFL Radio during his career
Read MoreEXCLUSIVE Tensions boil over at ESPN as commentator Troy Aikman fears for career but digs in heels article image
'Yesterday [Saturday] was a day I was praying would not happen. David Moulton was my researcher/spotter with our CBS college football crew since 2006!! We first met when I heard him doing a local radio show; became intrigued with his knowledge, decided to cold call him and offered him a job!! He was great and helped make our broadcast better.
'More importantly for me, David grew into being my most trusted friend. During our travels together, we talked sports, but also so much more about life. I will miss him dearly.
'With deepest sorrow I want to send my condolences and love to Julie, his family and his beloved mother, Kit, who was his biggest supporter. David, you have so many friends that are all hurting today. Love you and will miss our talks, David!! Gary.'
Tracy Wolfson, CBS Sports NFL sideline reporter, reposted Dell's message, adding: 'Thank you for sharing Jenny. David was a great man and great friend and I loved our time together.
'We kept in touch long after I stopped working with the crew. He will be missed by all. Prayers to his family during this difficult time.'