Troy Aikman takes shot at Dolphins amid conflict-of-interest takes

Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman serves as both an NFL analyst for ESPN "Monday Night Football" broadcasts and as a consultant for the Miami Dolphins. Understandably, Aikman's situation has generated questions regarding whether or not he would or should be able to continue calling games for one of the league's main media partners.

During a recent appearance on the "Dallas Dialogue with Dale" program, Aikman made it clear that he won't be giving up his ESPN job ahead of the 2026 season. He also shared a harsh truth regarding the current state of the Dolphins. 

Even Troy Aikman thinks the Dolphins will be bad this season

"The Dolphins are not expected to be very good this year," Aikman admitted, per Saad Yousuf of The Athletic. "They’re getting out of cap hell, so there’s no 'Monday Night (Football)' game with the Dolphins this year."

Aikman advised on the Dolphins' hiring of former Green Bay Packers vice president of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan, who now serves as Miami's general manager. The Dallas Cowboys legend has also been linked with the Dolphins' decision to hire Jeff Hafley as their new head coach, and Aikman still has a working relationship with the Dolphins. 

It's often been said that Tom Brady being permitted to serve as both a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and as Fox's lead in-game analyst is a conflict of interest. There's no indication Brady will be stepping away from either of those jobs anytime soon, and Aikman is following in Brady's footsteps. 

"I get it, and I’ve talked to [commissioner Roger Goodell]," Aikman explained. "He’s fine with what I’m doing and my role. But I think that anyone that’s behind a mic that’s calling a game, there’s a conflict of interest because you have relationships in this business. … How that plays in — and I’ll just be very transparent. I mean, I don’t know if I’ll come out right away and say, 'Hey, I’ve been involved in doing this,' because it’ll be a year from now, but I think as long as you’re up front with the viewer and let them know the deal, then they can take away from that whether or not you’re biased in your analysis."

Troy Aikman discusses future

Aikman reportedly is set to have his ESPN contract expire after this season. Some have wondered if he could step away from broadcasting to embrace a more active role with the Dolphins, but he doesn't seem to want to go down such a road. 

"I’m enjoying my broadcasting career as much as I ever have, so it doesn’t afford me the time that I think it would require if I were to give the Dolphins more than what I’ve given them up to this point. But I am a resource for them," Aikman added. "No official title. Who knows? Maybe that might change at some point when I decide to walk away from broadcasting and if I still want to get involved and stay involved with an NFL team. But I’ve really enjoyed it."