Dan Le Batard claims Troy Aikman is “hurt” by Cowboys not taking his help as team consultant like Dolphins

One of the Dallas Cowboys’ biggest offseason talking points has centered around an opportunity the organization let pass by. They watched team legend Troy Aikman join the Miami Dolphins as a special consultant rather than bringing him into a similar role at Dallas.

That decision has led many to ask why the Cowboys never made a move for Aikman themselves. During comments about his new position in April, Aikman also seemed to direct a subtle message toward his former team.

If there was any uncertainty surrounding the situation, sportswriter Dan Le Batard made his opinion clear during his podcast on Monday, suggesting Troy Aikman is still hurt that the Cowboys never offered him a role similar to the one he accepted with the Dolphins.

“Here’s Troy Aikman, who works with the Dolphins and is clearly hurt that he’s not allowed to do this job for the Cowboys, where he’d like to be doing it but he’s never been asked to do it,” Le Batard said. “Here’s Aikman both toothing his own horn and in a sentence, saying a really funny thing that he’s not self-aware about at all.”

Following his comments, Le Batard played audio from an interview in which Aikman explained why he did not see his consulting role with the Dolphins as a conflict, despite spending his entire playing career with the Cowboys.

“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,” Aikman said during an interview on the ‘DLLS Dallas Cowboys Podcast’ in April. “And I think they were smart in taking advantage of that, whether it was through me or through somebody else.

“The Cowboys have never elected to do that, at least with me. You know, maybe they have with others… I don’t feel there’s a conflict, but I will say I’m pulling for the Dolphins.”

Aikman remained with the Cowboys throughout his 12-year career and helped lead the team to three Super Bowl championships as its starting quarterback. Since stepping away from the field, he has become one of football’s most respected color commentators and a highly influential figure around the NFL.

With the Cowboys still without a championship win since Aikman’s era, many could see the value in seeking advice from someone with his experience. Aikman has also suggested he would have welcomed the opportunity to assist Dallas, although no such role was offered.

The Dolphins eventually decided to bring Aikman on board and tap into his experience and league-wide relationships. This offseason, he has been involved in helping Miami gather information and make key decisions.

Examining potential impact of Troy Aikman’s Dolphins role on ESPN duties

Troy Aikman’s advisory role with the Miami Dolphins is not expected to interfere with his broadcasting duties at ESPN. The network revealed in January that the position would not impact his role as the lead analyst on Monday Night Football with Joe Buck.

Reports have also suggested that Aikman’s work with Miami is intended to remain strictly advisory instead of growing into a more significant front-office position. That allows the Dolphins to use his knowledge without any concerns about his media responsibilities.

That said, the new role could present some issues for Aikman. With the rest of the league aware of his connection to Miami, teams may become more careful during conversations with him. Some organizations could decide against sharing sensitive information, while others might even provide inaccurate details if they believe it could make its way back to the Dolphins