Dallas Cowboys fans have been buzzing about the possibility of legendary quarterback Troy Aikman returning to the organization in a front office role. But according to longtime NFL insider Ed Werder, that dream might be just that—a dream.
Aikman, who led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles in the 1990s, recently admitted to Mike Fisher that he would find it hard to turn down an offer from owner Jerry Jones. “I would have lunch, breakfast, or dinner with Jerry any time he wants it. And it wouldn’t necessarily have to be because it’s a job interview. Just because, you know, we go back a long way,” Aikman said. “I came in, I was 22 years old. I was his very first draft pick. There’s a lot within that relationship, both from the beginning, when he began as the owner, when I began my NFL career as a quarterback for 12 years of my life, playing for him, and then, even in the years that have followed, you know, we’ve been through a lot.”
Aikman’s relationship with Jones is indeed complicated. “We’ve been through the highest of highs, we’ve been through some pretty tough moments as well. Our relationship is complicated. I think he would agree with that, but it is one that’s built, I believe, on respect,” Aikman added. “This week, he said some really kind things, which meant a lot to me, quite honestly. So, yeah, I would welcome any conversation with Jerry, and quite honestly I don’t know if there would be, or if there ever would be an opportunity. But if Jerry came to me and felt that, in his heart, I could lend some services that would help make them better, I would—I’d have a hard time not taking a good look at that.”
Jones has not shut the door either. “He’s one of the hardest working, most focused people that I’ve ever been around,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. “When you’re around each other, a part of that makeup can make it where you have your ups and downs. 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 necessarily that we’re going to do something more direct with the team at this time, but don’t rule it out. It is very possible.”
However, Ed Werder, who has covered the Cowboys since the 1990s, poured cold water on the idea during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show. “Well, Dan, you and I know that ESPN never lets valuable people leave the company, so it’s quite surprising to both of us, I think, that Troy Aikman is not returning on an extension and gonna be Joe Buck’s partner after this 25 years they’ve had together,” Werder said.
Werder pointed to Aikman’s value on loyalty as a key factor. “Troy really values loyalty, and I don’t think he feels like that’s been in existence in this partnership this year, either with the company or with Joe Buck,” Werder said. “It certainly seems to me like they’ve already decided they’re moving on from Troy Aikman. And whether there’s a place for Troy in broadcasting, I don’t know. There should be. To me, there’s the best there is still. He’s the gold standard.”
Werder’s comments suggest that Aikman’s future may lie in broadcasting, not in the Cowboys’ front office. The situation is further complicated by the recent tension between Aikman and Joe Buck, which has been a topic of discussion. Some have even suggested that Aikman's anger should be directed at ESPN rather than Buck.
For now, the Cowboys, sitting at 3-4, have bigger concerns, like their upcoming game against the Cardinals on Sunday. While fans might dream of Aikman helping from the front office, it seems more likely that his future remains in the broadcast booth—or possibly elsewhere.
As the speculation continues, one thing is clear: Aikman's legacy with the Cowboys is secure, but a return to the organization in an official capacity may not be in the cards. The Cowboys' recent win over the Eagles showed the team's potential, but the front office question remains unresolved.
