Troy Aikman admits Dolphins hired him for insider information

Former Cowboys QB says his broadcasting role gave Miami access to valuable league insights.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:06pm

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Troy Aikman, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback who now works as a broadcaster for ESPN, has acknowledged that the Miami Dolphins hired him to an undefined front office advisory role this offseason in part because of the insider information and relationships he has gained through his media work. Aikman said the Dolphins were 'wise' to take advantage of the knowledge he has accumulated from calling games and interacting with people around the league.

Why it matters

Aikman's admission raises questions about potential conflicts of interest when high-profile media personalities take on advisory roles with NFL teams. There have been similar concerns raised about Tom Brady's dual roles as a FOX broadcaster and minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.

The details

Aikman said the Dolphins 'were smart in taking advantage of' the information and relationships he has built up through his broadcasting work, which gives him access to insights the team may not be able to get elsewhere. He will be advising the Dolphins on their recent coach and GM hires, while maintaining his regular job with ESPN.

  • Aikman was hired by the Dolphins in the 2023 offseason.

The players

Troy Aikman

A former Dallas Cowboys quarterback who is now a broadcaster for ESPN.

Miami Dolphins

The NFL team that hired Aikman to an undefined front office advisory role this offseason.

Tom Brady

The former NFL quarterback who is now a broadcaster for FOX while also serving as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.

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What they’re saying

“I think the Dolphins were wise in understanding my relationships around the league and knowing that I have information that they don't have or can't get. I think they were smart in taking advantage of that, whether it was through me or through somebody else.”

— Troy Aikman, Broadcaster

The takeaway

Aikman's admission highlights the potential conflicts of interest that can arise when high-profile media personalities take on advisory roles with professional sports teams. As more broadcasters and analysts move into these types of positions, there will likely be increased scrutiny around the access and information they can provide to teams.