Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are still calling Monday Night Football together, but tension over Buck’s contract extension and Aikman’s expiring deal has reportedly strained their relationship. Despite a heated argument behind the scenes, an insider sees them as likely to reunite for ESPN’s Super Bowl LXI broadcast.

By the Numbers
  • There’s a 95% chance Aikman calls Super Bowl LXI with Buck, per reporter Andrew Marchand.
  • There’s a 5% chance the partnership breaks down before the game.
Yes, But

Both broadcasters have stayed professional on the air, and the NFL says it has “no concern” about the duo. But reports describe the relationship as tense, and continued attention to the feud could either prompt ESPN to help resolve it or deepen the rift.

State of Play
  • Buck received a contract extension from ESPN; Aikman’s deal expires after the season, and he reportedly felt blindsided that Buck didn’t tell him about his new deal.
  • Aikman’s reported options elsewhere are limited, with other networks’ top analyst roles already filled or under contract.
  • ESPN’s first Super Bowl broadcast is still more than three months away.
What’s Next

ESPN could bring the broadcasters together to work through the dispute. If tensions worsen, Aikman’s participation in the Super Bowl broadcast could be at risk, though Marchand considers that outcome unlikely.

Bottom Line

The partnership appears more likely than not to make it to the Super Bowl, but a professional on-air performance doesn’t mean the off-air conflict is settled.