Troy Aikman Nearly Retired from Broadcasting After Super Bowl XLII
Troy Aikman, a prominent figure in sports broadcasting, recently revealed that he nearly ended his career in this field 15 years ago. This revelation came during his appearance on the Sports Media with Richard Deitsch podcast, where he reflected on his emotions following Super Bowl XLII.
Troy Aikman’s Super Bowl Revelation
The pivotal moment for Aikman occurred after the New York Giants triumphed over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. He recalled that it was Eli Manning’s pass to Plaxico Burress that sealed the game. Aikman described the match as a significant event, noting the historical impact it carried.
A Moment of Doubt
After the game, Aikman experienced an unusual sense of emptiness. He shared his thoughts: “This could be the greatest game that I will ever call.” Despite the excitement surrounding the Super Bowl, he began to question whether broadcasting was the right profession for him.
A Edge in Broadcasting
At that time, Aikman was in just his sixth season working alongside Joe Buck. They were calling their second Super Bowl together, and now they have reached their 24th season. This long-standing partnership between Aikman and Buck marks them as one of the most enduring broadcast duos in NFL history.
Decision to Continue
Opting not to leave broadcasting in 2008 turned out to be a pivotal choice for Aikman. Since that period, he has enjoyed a thriving career at ESPN and admits he hasn’t felt that emptiness again. “Every year, I’ve enjoyed it more and more,” Aikman stated confidently.
The Future of Aikman’s Career
Currently, at 59 years old, Aikman is aware that his broadcasting career will eventually conclude. When asked about working into his 70s, he was firm in his response, expressing that he cannot see himself continuing that long. “I have things that I want to be able to go do and things I want to see before my time on earth is done,” he remarked.
Looking Ahead
Despite not planning to retire soon, Aikman recognized that his partnership with Buck could continue for several more years, especially with ESPN set to join the Super Bowl rotation. While it’s difficult to predict what the next decade holds, Aikman remains in good condition for a man of his age.
As he navigates his career, Aikman remains open to the possibility of a change in plans should he continue to feel enthusiastic about broadcasting. His story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of career paths and personal satisfaction in professional life.
