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NFL Facing Tough Troy Aikman Decision After Dolphins News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Manhaz Muntaha | Last updated Mar 19, 2026 4:50 PM ET

The NFL has a broadcaster in the front office problem, and it's no longer just a Tom Brady story.

NFL legend Troy Aikman joined the Miami Dolphins as a consultant in January to help with their GM search after the team parted ways with Chris Grier, who had been with the organization since 2000.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported Aikman was new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan's biggest supporter, and ESPN's Jeff Darlington noted he was "incredibly involved, incredibly thoughtful, and completely committed" to both the GM and head coaching searches.

And it was reportedly a temporary advisory role, but now it has become permanent. During a recent episode of the "Rodeo Time" podcast, Aikman said that the Dolphins' initial request surprised him, but he enjoyed the process enough to stay on with the team in some capacity.

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy AikmanKirby Lee-Imagn Images

He also noted that the role satisfied a long-standing interest in front-office work, though he confirmed he is not leaving his position at ESPN.

And that dual commitment is where the league has a decision to make. In an email to ProFootballTalk, an NFL spokesperson said the league "would address this at the appropriate time."

Troy Aikman recently said he'll continue to work for the Dolphins "in some capacity." The NFL says it would consider the impact of that relationship on his ESPN job "at the appropriate time." https://t.co/rpet6jX5r7
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 19, 2026

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk argues that if Aikman were a paid consultant, the NFL should be concerned, suggesting the league may need to "draw lines" as they did with Brady.

Just to recap, while some restrictions the Fox broadcaster has softened, he remains banned from attending practices or entering the facilities of the other 31 teams.

Aikman, however, speaks with star players and coaches across the league every week to collect information for their broadcast. But the league will need clarity first on how Aikman's ongoing role looks before the 2026 season kicks off.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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