Joe Buck hopes Troy Aikman stays at ESPN as contract questions continue

NewsJoe Buck just revealed what he wants ESPN to do about Troy AikmanJoe Buck says he hopes Troy Aikman remains his partner at ESPN as uncertainty continues around Aikman’s next contract with the network. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)Evan Agostini/Invision/APJoe Buck has a new long-term deal with ESPN, but he says one thing would make him even happier: keeping Troy Aikman by his side in the broadcast booth.Buck recently discussed Aikman’s contract situation and made it clear he hopes ESPN and the Hall of Fame quarterback can reach an agreement. The two have called NFL games together for more than two decades and are widely considered one of football’s most successful broadcasting teams. Buck recently agreed to a new extension that reportedly keeps him at ESPN through 2032. While his future appears secure, Aikman is entering the final year of his current agreement with the network. Speaking about his longtime partner, Buck said the relationship goes far beyond football. The two broadcasters have worked together for years and have shared many important life experiences away from the camera. That history, Buck explained, is one reason he would like to continue working with Aikman for years to come. Aikman has also said he expected a new contract to be completed before the 2026 NFL season. However, he has indicated he is not spending much time worrying about the negotiations and remains focused on his work. For now, ESPN says its focus is on the NFL season and Super Bowl LXI. Until a deal is reached, fans will continue to watch and wonder whether one of sports television’s most recognizable partnerships will remain together. Chris Pugh covers trending news and national breaking stories, focusing on the moments, conversations, and cultural flashpoints shaping the national news cycle. Chris worked as a digital reporter for...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff.