Aikman Sends Blunt Message to Cowboys After Disappointing Season

Dallas legend calls out team's lack of playoff success in recent years.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman spoke out with a brutally honest message to the team after another disappointing season that saw them miss the playoffs. Aikman made it clear that he's tired of hearing about the Cowboys' potential to contend for a Super Bowl each year, only to fall short, and wants to see the team actually get back to being a true contender.

Why it matters

As a Cowboys legend and respected NFL analyst, Aikman's words carry a lot of weight. His blunt assessment of the team's recent struggles reflects the growing frustration among the team's fanbase, who have grown tired of the team's inability to capitalize on their talented roster and make a deep playoff run.

The details

Aikman stated that if the Cowboys don't make the playoffs, "it wasn't a very good year." He questioned whether the team's culture has truly changed, despite the coaching changes, and said he just wants to "see it" when it comes to the Cowboys finally living up to their potential. Aikman also criticized the team's tendency to have a "different storyline" each year about why they'll be better, only to fall short.

  • The Cowboys missed the playoffs in the 2025 NFL season.

The players

Troy Aikman

A Dallas Cowboys legend who was the team's star quarterback for many years and is now an NFL analyst.

Jerry Jones

The owner of the Dallas Cowboys who has overseen the team's struggles to return to Super Bowl contention in recent years.

Dak Prescott

The Cowboys' starting quarterback who is still in his prime, but the team has failed to capitalize on his talents.

CeeDee Lamb

One of the best wide receivers in the NFL who plays for the Dallas Cowboys.

Brian Schottenheimer

The new offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys who Aikman believes may not have been able to change the team's culture.

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What they’re saying

“If you don't make the playoffs, it wasn't a very good year. Whether your culture is good or not good. Whatever happened, it wasn't enough.”

— Troy Aikman, NFL Analyst (The Dallas Morning News)

“Who knows? It seems every year, there's a different storyline as to why or how this team is going to be playing in the Super Bowl. I just want to see it. We've been talking about it for a long, long time. What's going to happen, what's not going to happen. How this year is going to be different.”

— Troy Aikman, NFL Analyst (The Dallas Morning News)

What’s next

This offseason will be crucial for the Cowboys as they look to make the necessary moves to get back into Super Bowl contention. Owner Jerry Jones will need to be aggressive in free agency and the draft to surround quarterback Dak Prescott and star receiver CeeDee Lamb with the right supporting cast.

The takeaway

Aikman's blunt assessment of the Cowboys' recent struggles reflects the growing frustration among the team's fanbase. After years of talk about the team's potential, it's time for Dallas to stop making excuses and actually deliver on the field. The pressure is on Jones and the organization to get the team back to being a true Super Bowl contender.