Troy Aikman Shares Rainy Struggles And NFL Insights

When it comes to NFL legends, few names carry as much weight as Troy Aikman. The Hall of Fame quarterback, who famously led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s, has remained a prominent figure in football long after hanging up his cleats. On January 18, 2026, Aikman found himself once again at the center of the action—this time not as a player, but as the lead analyst for ESPN’s broadcast of the high-stakes AFC playoff matchup between the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium.

The game, which kicked off at 3 p.m. ET, was more than just a battle for a spot in the AFC Championship Game. With the Patriots seeded No. 2 and the Texans at No. 5, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. The winner would move on to face the Denver Broncos—who were notably missing their star quarterback Bo Nix. But as the players braved the elements on a rain-soaked field, it was Aikman’s candid commentary that stole the early headlines.

During the first quarter, as rain lashed down and both teams struggled to maintain their footing, Aikman made a startling admission live on air. “If it rained I was done,” he confessed, referencing his own playing days. The comment, delivered with trademark frankness, sent social media into a frenzy. Fans flocked to X (formerly Twitter), lauding Aikman for his honesty. One user wrote, “But during his playing days, you couldn’t have gotten him to admit that throwing a wet ball bothered him if you tortured him with a blowtorch to the eyeballs… Just more greatness from the best TV analyst of all time.” Another chimed in, “I don’t get all the hate with him on his analysis he is the best on tv I think, it’s because he was a Cowboy honestly is my guess.”

Aikman’s humility and openness have become hallmarks of his broadcasting career, a path he’s traveled for over two decades. Yet, it’s impossible to separate the analyst from the athlete. As Joe Buck, Aikman’s longtime broadcast partner and friend, never misses an opportunity to remind viewers, Aikman is a Hall of Famer—a fact that’s become something of an inside joke among NFL fans. Comments like “Is it in Troy Aikman’s contract that Joe Buck has to refer to him as a hall of famer on first mention?” and “'Hall of Famer Troy Aikman'…. Joe Buck for the 9,000th time,” have become commonplace during broadcasts. Some even joke, “How much does Aikman pay you to announce him as ‘the hall of famer’ before every game? It’s weird.”

Of course, Aikman’s credentials are nothing to sneeze at. Before becoming a fixture in the broadcast booth, he was a dominant force on the field. After winning a national championship with Oklahoma in 1985, Aikman transferred to UCLA, where he continued to impress. Drafted first overall by the Cowboys in 1989, he helped build one of the NFL’s greatest dynasties. Between 1991 and 1996, Aikman made six consecutive Pro Bowls, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s elite quarterbacks. His induction into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame speaks volumes about his impact on the sport.

Yet, as the Patriots and Texans slugged it out in the rain, Aikman’s revelation about his struggles with wet weather seemed especially poignant. It wasn’t just nostalgia—current Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was having a nightmare of his own, throwing four interceptions in the first half alone. The Patriots capitalized, ultimately securing a decisive 28-16 victory and punching their ticket to the AFC Championship Game. Stroud’s rough outing echoed Aikman’s own admission, a reminder that even the greats have their kryptonite.

But Aikman’s influence extends far beyond the broadcast booth and gridiron. Off the field, he’s made headlines for his outspoken views and business ventures. Since 1999, Aikman has donated over $40,000 to Republican causes, making his political leanings clear. He’s also taken public shots at “woke” brands, most notably Bud Light, through his Texas-based beer company, Eight. “At Eight, we believe in truth and authenticity. Our company is proudly based right here in Texas and all of our beer is brewed right here in the good ‘ol USA. So, I’ve gotta call it like it is. There are a lot of beer brands out there that are trying to cash in on this holiday by slapping an American flag on their package. Regardless of whether or not they are truly American,” Aikman stated in a pointed July 4th message. “So this July 4th, drink American – whether it’s Eight beer or any other American owned beer brand. And on behalf of all of us out here, we appreciate your support. Cheers.”

His willingness to speak his mind has earned both praise and criticism, but Aikman remains unfazed. He’s also shown support for entertainment projects like Paramount’s “Landman,” further demonstrating his diverse interests outside of football.

Recently, Aikman has taken on a new role, assisting the Miami Dolphins in their search for a new head coach following a tumultuous period. The Dolphins parted ways with general manager Chris Grier in October 2024, ending a tenure that began in 2000. Head coach Mike McDaniel was also let go after a disappointing 7-10 season in 2025, marking the team’s second consecutive year missing the playoffs. Despite leading the Dolphins to two playoff appearances, McDaniel’s squads never made it past the early rounds, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s struggles—culminating in a benching—only added to the team’s woes.

Aikman’s insights are highly valued by Dolphins ownership, who hope his connections and expertise can help steer the franchise back to relevance. In a radio interview, he didn’t mince words about the challenges facing today’s NFL coaches: “I’ve often said, I’m not sure why anyone would want to go into coaching. People still are.” He pointed to Sean McVay’s consideration of television opportunities after winning a Super Bowl as evidence of a growing trend: coaches are increasingly contemplating life outside the relentless pressures of football.

Speculation is swirling that Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin may soon join the exodus from the sidelines to the studio, underscoring the mounting difficulties of the profession. As Aikman observed, “It’s a tough job right now.” The Dolphins, meanwhile, are reportedly considering a quarterback competition for 2026, hoping a new coaching staff can reverse their fortunes.

As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, Troy Aikman stands as a bridge between eras—a living link to the league’s storied past and an influential voice shaping its future. Whether calling games, advising teams, or speaking his mind on the issues of the day, Aikman’s presence is impossible to ignore. And as the playoff drama intensifies and coaching carousels spin, fans and franchises alike will be watching closely to see what moves he makes next.

For now, though, Aikman’s candor and expertise remain as refreshing as ever—rain or shine.