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Joe Buck, Troy Aikman Criticized For Big Sideline Moment On Saturday

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Jan 19, 2025 4:02 PM ET

Joe Buck and Troy Aikman were on the call for the first game of the NFL's Divisional weekend on Saturday afternoon.

ESPN had the AFC matchup between the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans. It's the last playoff game for the Worldwide Leader this year, which means it's the last time we will hear Buck and Aikman call the NFL until next September. The pair were on their game as usual, but did manage to take some heat on social media early in the first quarter.

After the opening kickoff, Texans special teamer Kris Boyd stunned fans by shoving special teams coach Frank Ross in a heated moment on the sideline. Boyd was fired up after forcing a fumble after a long return, which he thought his team had recovered.

"I was just too excited, did something that I shouldn't have done. Learning from it," Boyd said after the game. "Keep my helmet on."

Buck and Aikman didn't have much to say about Boyd's actions, which is why some sports media members and football fans thought the longtime broadcasting partners came up short in the moment.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 17: Troy Aikman and Joe Buck attend the 2022 ABC Disney Upfront at Basketball City - Pier 36 - South Street on May 17, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/WireImage)Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

"I think Buck and Aikman could've made a bigger deal about a player just shoving his coach," said The Athletic's Andrew Marchand.

"Hey ESPN, tells us what's happening with Kris Boyd of the Texans? Is he coming back after shoving his special teams coach?" asked Front Office Sports' Mike McCarthy.

"Agreed. Buck going 'and we move on' seemed like they just wanted it to go away," added Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.

"The two most monotone announcers on earth?" a fourth person questioned.

"Especially following him throwing his helmet off on the field resulting in a 15 yd penalty to start the game," a fifth person said.

Perhaps Buck and Aikman didn't have much to say because they quickly had to shift their attention to the Chiefs' opening possession, which started in Houston territory as a result of the return.

Aikman shared his opinions on the officiating loudly and frequently throughout the game, and also made note of the gambling ramifications of the Chiefs taking a late safety to make the final score 23-14.

"Al Michaels is smiling right now," Aikman joked, referring to the legendary announcer's tradition of referencing the betting line without actually referring to the betting line.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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