Troy Aikman's role in ESPN's upcoming first-ever Super Bowl broadcast is uncertain due to a reported dispute with his longtime announcing partner, Joe Buck. The Athletic reports that "ugly" behind-the-scenes drama has created a "five percent chance" Aikman might not be on the air for the event.
Should Aikman be absent, it would leave him without a high-profile NFL analyst role, as positions with rival networks are currently filled by figures like J.J. Watt at CBS, Tom Brady at Fox, Cris Collinsworth at NBC, and Kirk Herbstreit at Prime Video.
The tension between Aikman and Buck, who have worked together for 25 years, reportedly reached a critical point in September when Aikman discovered Buck had signed a contract extension with ESPN in the spring without informing him. According to Puck's Dylan Byers, a source indicated that Buck "finally snapped" after Aikman became "increasingly cold, difficult, short, making comments."
Aikman himself has acknowledged his uncertain future. "As I'm into my last year at ESPN, I'm realizing that this is something that could very well be taken away from me," Aikman told Dallas Cowboys insider Mike Fisher. "For the first time, I'm realizing how much I really do – I've always enjoyed it. I've always known that. But until you risk having something taken away from you, I think sometimes you tend to maybe take things for granted."
Sources suggest Aikman viewed Buck's secret contract extension as the "ultimate act of betrayal." Buck has reportedly apologized to colleagues, including Aikman, encouraging them to move forward. Buck has signed a six-year extension with ESPN, reportedly worth $108 million, which will keep him with the network through its 2027 Super Bowl broadcast. Aikman's future contract status remains unconfirmed, leaving his participation in the landmark broadcast in doubt.