A fired FOX analyst's scathing criticism of Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman's work at ESPN
Aikman’s legendary playing career may not be enough to convince everyone of his broadcasting talent
Troy Aikman’s transition from Dallas Cowboys quarterback to one of football’s most recognizable broadcasters has lasted more than two decades, but his television work is now facing a fresh round of criticism.
Former FOX analyst LeSean McCoy offered a blunt assessment of Aikman during the September 7 episode of Speakeasy, saying he doesn’t believe the Hall of Famer is particularly impressive on television.
“I don’t think [Troy Aikman] is that great on TV,” said McCoy .
“I think he’s just cool. He just says what he sees. Nothing special. But when I look at his background check, I look at who he played with, when he played, the wins he had, the championships, the era with Jimmy Johnson, and all that, I would take him too.
“And you, with the brand of the cap, I would take you for that. It’s hard for me to push back because the resume checks the box.”
McCoy’s comments are notable because Aikman has spent years working at the highest level of NFL broadcasting and remains one of ESPN’s most prominent football voices.
That assessment is particularly striking given how quickly Aikman established himself after retiring. He joined FOX in 2001 and was eventually placed in the network’s top NFL booth, where he formed a hugely successful partnership with Joe Buck.
The duo spent two decades together before moving to ESPN in 2022 to become the voices of Monday Night Football.
Aikman’s résumé makes the criticism complicated
Aikman’s playing career gives him plenty of credibility when discussing the game. The Cowboys selected him first overall in 1989, and he spent all 12 NFL seasons in Dallas, winning three Super Bowls and earning Super Bowl XXVII MVP honors. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
His statistics weren’t built around spectacular arm strength, but accuracy, timing and decision-making were central to his success. Aikman finished his career with 32,942 passing yards and 165 touchdowns while completing 61.5% of his passes. More importantly, he was the quarterback at the center of one of the NFL’s defining teams of the 1990s.
McCoy’s remarks also echo criticism from another outspoken media personality. Craig Carton previously called Aikman an “average quarterback,” arguing that his success was helped significantly by an elite supporting cast.
Carton pointed to the Cowboys’ dominant offensive line, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin and a strong defense as reasons Aikman’s legacy should be viewed differently.
That argument triggered plenty of backlash from fans, many of whom believe it overlooks Aikman’s ability to consistently deliver when the Cowboys were under enormous pressure. Winning three championships in four seasons remains difficult to dismiss, regardless of how talented the surrounding roster was.
McCoy’s latest criticism of Aikman is more about what makes an analyst compelling. has experience, credibility and an established audience, but those qualities don’t guarantee that every viewer will consider his commentary exceptional.
For now, ESPN continues to trust him with one of the NFL’s most prestigious broadcast assignments. Aikman’s calm delivery and decades of football experience remain central to Monday Night Football.
