Aikman and Buck Celebrate 24 Years as NFL’s Longest-Tenured Duo

DALLAS — Troy Aikman and Joe Buck have officially marked 24 years as the longest-tenured broadcast duo in NFL history. Their partnership has become a staple of NFL Sundays and Monday nights, built on mutual respect and a genuine friendship.

Buck quickly recognized Aikman’s talent. “I knew within two weeks of doing a game a week with him why he won three Super Bowls,” Buck said, reflecting on their early days. Aikman, on the other hand, admitted feeling intimidated when partnering with someone widely regarded as the best in broadcasting.

“Joe had skins on the wall. He had won awards. He was the best in the business,” Aikman recalled. “So there is a bit of an intimidation factor that comes with that, for sure.”

Their initial nerves transformed into a strong friendship, primarily through their shared experiences as fathers of daughters. Aikman noted, “In addition to being girl dads, his two daughters are a little bit older than mine. But I watched his grow up. He literally watched mine grow. Mine were born while we were working together.”

Buck commented on the authenticity of their bond. “It seems corny, but it’s legit,” he said. “My girls think of him as Uncle Troy. Now my boys call him Uncle Troy. That stuff makes an impression and certainly means the world to me.”

Their chemistry translates on air, creating broadcasts that feel like natural conversations rather than scripted calls. “I think that translates over the airwaves,” Aikman said. “When people hear us do a broadcast, they say, ‘It sounds like you two are really good friends.’ And we are. You can’t fake that.”

They describe their partnership like a marriage, emphasizing the importance of communication and support. “You have to put time and effort in, and you have to let the other person know you’ve got their back,” Buck stated.

Aikman expressed surprise at how close their friendship has grown over the years. “I didn’t know what a great friend he was going to become,” he said. “And I didn’t know what a role model he would be as a father to me.”

The duo has shared countless milestones, family gatherings, and weddings together throughout their long careers. Buck reflected, “All that stuff goes into what goes on the air on a Monday night.”

For millions of fans, the commentary of Aikman and Buck has become integral to the NFL experience. Both men view their journey as a rewarding adventure rooted in a deep friendship, which has stood the test of time.