Troy Aikman's Honest Officiating Commentary Builds Viewer Trust

Key Quotes

"I will say to begin, that I have a great appreciation for what officials do. Uh, and I, I'm the last person who wants to be thought of as the guy who, who is critical of officiating. Uh, it's, it's a tough, tough job that they have and they're going to miss some things. Um, but I also think it's my job, uh, to kind of point those things out."

Troy Aikman explains that while he respects the difficulty of officiating, he believes it is part of his role as a broadcaster to highlight missed calls. Aikman emphasizes that his intention is not to be overly critical but to fulfill his professional responsibility.

"And, uh, I, I just try to do it, uh, in as respectful a way as possible. Uh, I, I never try to make anything personal. Uh, in that interview that you talked about with Front Office Sports, uh, I do try to be honest. I think everyone does. I, I don't think I'm the lone ranger in that regard."

Aikman states that his approach to pointing out officiating errors is always respectful and never personal. He believes honesty is a common goal among broadcasters, suggesting he is not unique in this endeavor.

"I think the biggest thing that I try to do is I try to be fair. Uh, and and yet, there's, there's that fan who's sitting at home, uh, that has a real vested interest in their team and wants to see them win. Uh, and wants to see them win. Uh, and with the, with the emphasis or I guess the popularity currently going on with sports betting, you know, along with that, not only do they want to see their team win, but there's, there's money that's exchanging hands."

Aikman highlights the importance of fairness in his commentary, acknowledging the passionate investment of fans and the added layer of sports betting. He recognizes that these factors increase the impact of officiating decisions on viewers.

"And so I, I keep that in mind as well, because, uh, some of these calls certainly impact that. Uh, so I try to draw attention to it when I can, but not, not in a way that I hope, uh, is is attacking officials. It's just more about the call or what my opinion might be. And I feel like ESPN's hired me for a reason, uh, and it, and that is my job."

Aikman explains that he considers the influence of calls on betting outcomes when deciding to comment on officiating. He clarifies that his aim is to discuss the call itself or his opinion, rather than to attack officials, as he believes ESPN hired him for this analytical role.

"And, and we all understand that this, the NFL is a tremendous property. Uh, and we're all very, uh, fortunate to be to be a part of it all. Uh, so I, I try to keep all of that in perspective as best I can, as a former player, uh, and as someone who's been in the locker rooms, has played with, you know, other guys and, and had great teammates and all of that."

Aikman expresses gratitude for being involved with the NFL, viewing it as a significant entity. He emphasizes maintaining perspective, drawing on his experience as a former player who understands the locker room dynamics and camaraderie.

"And and so much respect for the people that are coaching the game, and that are playing the game, and that are officiating the game. Uh, I try to be fair, I try to be honest, and and just as importantly, I try to be respectful of all participants involved."

Aikman reiterates his deep respect for everyone involved in the NFL, including coaches, players, and officials. He states his commitment to being fair, honest, and, crucially, respectful towards all participants in the game.