Troy Aikman was the first major domino to fall in what could be a huge shakeup of the NFL broadcasting industry. There has been speculation that his longtime partner Joe Buck could switch networks with him, and it sounds like Aikman is hoping for that outcome.
Aikman is set to leave FOX after agreeing to a massive deal with ESPN. He will reportedly serve as the lead analyst for “Monday Night Football” beginning next season. Buck’s contract with with FOX expires after the 2022 season, and there has been speculation that he will explore following Aikman to ESPN. Aikman spoke on Monday about his “great friendship” with Buck and said he would love to continue working with him.
Does @TroyAikman want to continue working with @Buck?
"I mean he truly is one of my best friends… he's been a fantastic partner, in my opinion he's the best in the business, and yeah, I'd love nothing more than to continue to work with him."@andrewmarchand @richarddeitsch pic.twitter.com/f30ay7ySIn
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) March 1, 2022
Assuming the reports of Aikman’s departure from FOX are accurate, there is only one way he could continue working with Aikman. That would cost ESPN a ton of money, but network executives likely told Aikman they plan to pursue a big-name play-by-play announcer. Buck is one of the biggest in the industry.
There’s one other lead announcer that would seemingly make sense alongside Aikman. ESPN will almost certainly look to upgrade from Steve Levy. Buck and Aikman have worked together since 2001, and the duo would inject life into a “Monday Night Football” broadcast that hasn’t found its way since Jon Gruden left.
Photo: Jan 14, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; FOX analyst Joe Buck before the NFC Divisional Playoff football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
