express
Troy Aikman was back on ESPN's Monday Night Countdown before the Week 7 primetime clash between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, but it was his bloodshot eyes that caught viewers' attention. The former Cowboys quarterback sat alongside Jason Kelce, Jason McCourty, Marcus Spears, Kurt Warner, and Pat McAfee, and social media quickly buzzed about his appearance.
One viewer on X wrote, "Can someone please get Troy Aikman some eye drops??? How does his stylist or makeup artist not tell him his eyes are blood red?? Sheeeeeesh." Another commented, "Once again Troy Aikman with the severely bloodshot eyes on Monday Night Football. The glasses don't help and actually magnify it."
Aikman, 59, is reportedly exploring free agency after failing to agree on a new contract with ESPN, while his broadcast partner of 25 years, Joe Buck, signed an extension in early October. The duo's future together remains uncertain.
Later, Aikman was seen conversing with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on the Lincoln Financial Field turf. Aikman was Jones's first-ever draft pick, selected No. 1 overall from USC in 1989, and led Dallas to three Super Bowl titles. Currently an adviser with the Miami Dolphins, Aikman was asked by the Dallas Morning News about possibly joining the Cowboys after his ESPN tenure ends. "Quite honestly, I don't know if there ever would be an opportunity," he said. "But if Jerry came to me and felt in his heart that I could lend some services that would help make [the Cowboys] better, I would have a hard time not taking a good look at that."
Key Analysis
With major broadcasting moves this offseason—CBS promoting JJ Watt to its top crew and Amazon extending Kirk Herbstreit—Aikman's next career step could be shaped by a shrinking market for top analyst roles.
Originally reported by express.