In 2003, Troy Aikman almost unretired to play for the Miami Dolphins. While that dream never became a reality, the Dallas Cowboys legend got another chance to work with the Dolphins in finding their next general manager over two decades later. Now he has revealed that he liked the gig so much that he might be open to more such opportunities.

“At first, I wanted to make sure I could provide them what it was that they were hoping I could,” Aikman said in an appearance on The Ticket in Dallas. “Gave it some thought and then, as I dove into it, talked with more people, I became more and more confident that I could. So, off we went, and it’s been great. We’ll see where this might go, but I’ve really enjoyed it.”

On January 1, the Dolphins confirmed that they will require the services of the MNF analyst and three-time Super Bowl champion as a consultant to sit in on GM interviews as they conduct their search to replace Chris Grier. Reportedly, they wanted an outside voice with connections across the NFL to weigh in on the hire.

And who better than Aikman, who spent 12 seasons playing in the NFL and another 25 as a broadcaster?

“It made sense primarily because I feel like I’ve got access to unique information, and in addition to that, unique experiences,” Aikman added. “From the broadcasting side of it, I’ve made so many relationships around the league after 25 years and have a number of friends, whether it’s GMs, head coaches, offensive coordinators.

“So, that’s what Miami really wanted to tap into, and I feel like it has served them well.”

The Dolphins hired Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new general manager, and Aikman played a pivotal role in the process. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Aikman became Sullivan’s “biggest supporter” throughout the search. Through it all, Aikman was “incredibly involved, incredibly thoughtful, and completely committed” to aid the Dolphins, as sources told ESPN’s Jeff Darlington.

The Dolphins are emulating an approach followed by the Washington Commanders in 2024. The NFC East team consulted former Golden State Warriors executive Bob Myers in their coaching and GM searches two years ago. But Troy Aikman’s credentials run deeper than a source of league connections.

He has experienced the complete organizational cycle in Dallas, from their 90s dynasty with the three Super Bowls to the decline that followed. He knows what championship infrastructure looks like. He knows the warning signs when it starts crumbling. Using that experience, he is now assisting Miami in the search for its new head coach. However, this wouldn’t be his first sign to help out a team.

Troy Aikman always wanted to be in a front office role after retirement

Aikman has previously mentioned that he would very much want to be in a front office role in the NFL. However, with his broadcasting duties, he hasn’t been able to move in that direction. Back in 2023, he did clarify, though, that he would want to help teams in some or the other way, as he has with the Dolphins.

“The talk has always come up about whether or not I want to be a general manager. And I think that has passed,” Aikman said then on Sportsradio 86.7 FM’s Norm and D Invasion show. “But there may come a time that I’d be interested in just helping out with a club, with an organization, and not necessarily in an official capacity. I think that would be enjoyable.”

While Aikman has never been in NFL ownership or part of an executive team, he has some ownership stints. He and former Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach became co-owners of Hall of Fame Racing, a now-defunct NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team. Aikman was once part-owner of the MLB’s San Diego Padres as well. During a recent podcast appearance, Aikman admitted that the front office pull is very real for him.

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“There will be a part of me that always wonders as to whether or not I could have done the job,” Aikman had said. “I’d like to think I could and would be good at it. But unless you do it, it’s just talk.”

Ironically enough, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has never once called Aikman for advice during any Cowboys coaching or personnel searches. Well, it’s the Cowboys’ loss and Miami’s gain. But if Aikman is exploring more avenues back into the NFL front offices like his Miami gig, what does it mean for his broadcasting career?

Where does ESPN fit in Troy Aikman’s future plans?

Troy Aikman pulls nearly $18 million annually at ESPN for calling Monday Night Football. That’s roughly 17 broadcasts per season, an ultimate part-time gig for an NFL lifer who still wants to stay connected to the game. While Aikman has no intention of severing his connection with the booth, ESPN, too, is seemingly on board with him exploring other avenues.

ESPN officials released a statement saying Aikman’s consulting role with Miami “doesn’t interfere with his responsibilities with us” and that “his schedule remains unchanged.” However, that just might be the corporate line; reality is a bit messier.

Front Office Sports noted the Aikman situation is “the latest signal that conflict of interest concerns usually don’t apply to the biggest sports TV personalities.” Tom Brady is a minority owner for the Las Vegas Raiders while calling games for Fox. Just like Aikman, Brady is now actively helping the team in their search for a new head coach. Brady’s just one example. Beyond the NFL, there are leagues currently seeing this trend on the rise as well.

Take the NBA, for example. Grant Hill has minority ownership in the Atlanta Hawks while working for NBC. Udonis Haslem is a Miami Heat executive and Prime Video analyst. The list keeps growing. But the critics aren’t buying the “no conflict” narrative. Michael Grant of Awful Announcing recently shared strong words against Troy Aikman’s Miami gig.

“Troy Aikman and ESPN might believe he can navigate this and remain objective,” Grant noted. “However, it is a conflict of interest. The impression that Aikman might not be as forthcoming with viewers because of his ties to one of the league’s 32 franchises is a problem.”

To be fair, Aikman’s role with the Dolphins was a temporary deal. The math doesn’t add up for Aikman to leave ESPN right now. Running an NFL franchise is 365 days of grinding for probably less money and way less job security. But Miami just proved that at least one team values what he brings beyond the booth. And according to his latest confession, Troy Aikman might keep the door to the NFL front offices open.