The NFL broadcasting scene appears poised for a massive shake-up, as Troy Aikman is reportedly set to leave FOX Sports.
Aikman is on the verge of departing FOX to join ESPN as the lead analyst for “Monday Night Football,” according to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post. Marchand reports Aikman is set to get an enormous payday for making the move. Aikman’s ESPN contract reportedly will likely match or exceed the 10-years and $180 million CBS gave Tony Romo.
There is no clarity on what this means for Steve Levy, who has handled play-by-play on “Monday Night Football” for the last two seasons. Marchand appears to suggest that Levy is likely out, with ESPN eyeing a bigger name to pair with Aikman. Marchand also notes that Al Michaels, who is departing NBC, had been in negotiations with Amazon for its Thursday package, and had hoped to be paired with Aikman. Whether ESPN would pursue Michaels to pair with Aikman is unclear, though previous reports suggested the network has at least considered it.
Aikman’s contract with FOX expired at the end of the season. He had been with the network for 20 years, essentially since retiring from the NFL. This definitely comes as a shock, but Aikman himself hinted at the possibility during the playoffs.
Photo: Nov 21, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys former quarterback Troy Aikman attends the NFL game between the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
