Aikman, Buck Emotionally Honor Late Colleague David Moulton on MNF
The "Monday Night Football" broadcast team became visibly moved while remembering their friend and longtime booth spotter.
Joe Buck and Troy Aikman became emotional during ESPN's "Monday Night Football" broadcast on Monday, taking time to honor their colleague David Moulton, who recently died at age 60 after a six-year battle with cancer.
"This group lost a dear friend and coworker this week. Our buddy David Moulton passed away at the age of 60," Buck announced on air. He described Moulton as his "right-hand man" during years covering golf at Fox and Aikman's "right-hand man" for NFL coverage. Buck added, "He just was so brilliant and just effortless in the way he would give us information, give you information, during the game. He will not be replaced."
As Aikman prepared to speak, he was overcome with emotion. "No, he will not. He was a fighter right up until the end and … sorry…" Aikman said, becoming choked up. "He left a hole in a lot of people’s hearts and just a good man." Moulton had worked with ESPN's "Monday Night Football" for several years and previously served as a spotter for Buck and Aikman during Fox's NFL coverage on Thursdays and Sundays. He also held the same role for CBS for SEC games with Gary Danielson. Moulton had stepped away from the "Miller and Moulton" show with Mark Miller in August due to his declining health. His wife announced his death on Saturday.
Buck continued, "They don’t come any tougher than David Moulton and what he’s been through the last couple years. His grandkids Oakland and Reese were the apples of his eye, so we are sending all our love to the Moulton family."
Fellow broadcaster Kevin Burkhardt also acknowledged Moulton's passing during Fox's broadcast of the Lions-Packers game on Sunday. "Just a guy that everyone around him loved," Burkhardt said. "Gone too soon. David Moulton, you will be missed my friend."
Aikman also paid tribute to Moulton on Instagram, writing, "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."