Troy Aikman were in the booth together on “Monday Night Football” in Week 6 as the San Francisco 49ers took on the Washington Commanders. Body language experts watched en masse, hoping to see a sign of Aikman’s discontent. Anyone looking for something decided they saw something as Buck did his intro.
Just look at the way Aikman listens intently and nods. That’s a man who… is waiting for his designated turn to talk? And then talked normally about the football game he was about to call. It was a real listen to the notes he wasn’t playing moment.
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Troy Aikman and Joe Buck’s “MNF” intro Week 6
Joe Buck and Troy Aikman open their first broadcast since reports of tension between the longtime duo surfaced last week. https://t.co/AB0RT9SeIN
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 20, 2026
At no point during the broadcast did Aikman demand a new contract, drop his mic and walk out of the booth. He just called the game while people took to social media to say he definitely looked like he hated Buck.
While Aikman does want a new contract so he can continue to call “Monday Night Football,” he’s probably just going to finish out the season. He said as much during an interview after he and Buck reportedly had an argument before last week’s “MNF” broadcast. The idea of him walking away seems kind of silly, Ending his time at ESPN in a few months may not be ideal, but calling a Super Bowl as his last act with the company would be considered going out on top.
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Troy Aikman doesn’t like analytics
Troy Aikman on analytics: “I think analytics is a good way to lose your job as a head coach.” https://t.co/BgLZ3f9jo9
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 20, 2026
While Aikman did hide his disdain for his contract situation during broadcast, he can’t hide how he feels about analytics. When the 49ers went for it on fourth down in the red zone during the first quarter he remarked that “analytics is a good way to lose your job as a head coach.”
The 49ers converted and then scored a touchdown a few plays later, proving the numbers right in that situation.
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