Former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel jokingly questioned Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ reported interest in bringing Troy Aikman back into the organization. He argued that any move involving the Hall of Fame quarterback should also include fellow Cowboys legend Michael Irvin.
The Cowboys’ interest in Aikman comes amid uncertainty surrounding his broadcasting future. The Monday Night Football analyst has indicated his television career could be at a crossroads, recently placing the odds of continuing in the booth at roughly 50-50 after this season.
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Troy Aikman’s deal with ESPN is set to expire following the Super Bowl in February. According to reports, the network appears reluctant to offer the legendary quarterback a new contract after tying his Monday Night Football booth partner, Joe Buck, to a five-year deal in September.
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With suggestions that Aikman is unlikely to return to the MNF booth, Jerry Jones has kept the door open for a potential reunion. In a recent radio appearance, the Cowboys owner said it was “very possible” he would consider the legend for a meaningful role within the organization.
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The situation quickly commanded the interest of two-time Super Bowl winner Asante Samuel, who believed Jones’ interest should involve Michael Irvin.
“How can Jerry Jones hire Troy Aikman and not bring Michael Irvin along. That’s not right,” Samuel wrote.
Aikman and Irvin formed one of the strongest quarterback-receiver duos in NFL history, leading the Cowboys to three Super Bowls. In the 128 games they played together in Dallas, Aikman connected with Irvin 641 times for 9,949 yards and 54 touchdowns.
What Jerry Jones said about Troy Aikman’s interest
Jerry Jones affirmed his interest in Troy Aikman on Tuesday, citing his football knowledge and command of the game. The Cowboys owner, however, stopped short of confirming any specific plans but made clear he holds Aikman in high regard and would not rule out bringing him aboard.
“He is a successful guy because he is one of the hardest working, most focused people that I’ve ever been around,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. “Now, when you’re around each other, a part of that makeup can make it where you can have your ups and downs.
“But I think the world of him. I’ve seen his image and had it in my eyes since I walked in the NFL. He’s outstanding. The answer is not that necessarily we’re going to do something more direct with the team at this time, but don’t rule it out, it’s very possible.”
The contract situation between Troy Aikman and ESPN will be one to watch closely over the next couple of months. He has served as the color commentator for MNF for 25 years, alongside play-by-play announcer Joe Buck. However, the former Cowboys quarterback could take the next step into an administrative role in the NFL.
Edited by Farouk Yusuf
