Stephen A. Smith could not believe that Troy Aikman ended up taking a major role with the Miami Dolphins instead of returning to help the Dallas Cowboys in some capacity. Smith made it clear that he sees Aikman as exactly the kind of respected football mind and former champion that Dallas has been missing for years.
With Jerry Jones still searching for another championship after decades of frustration, Smith questioned how Jones let one of the biggest legends in franchise history end up elsewhere.
While speaking on air on ESPN, Smith said, “What the (expletive) are you thinking? You capitalize off the assets you have. This is one of your own if you’re Jerry Jones. Jerry Jones, it is not just his family, Jerry Jones considers members of the Dallas Cowboys as extended family. If that would apply to anybody that would be Troy Aikman who is a brilliant football mind…. It is one of your own. How the (expletive) do you let him go to the Miami Dolphins when you have not won a Super Bowl championship since 1996.”
What Is Troy Aikman Doing With the Miami Dolphins?
Troy Aikman is not just popping in to help the Miami Dolphins for a few weeks and then disappearing. The Hall of Fame quarterback has become a steady voice inside the organization as Miami tries to reshape its future.
He was originally brought in to assist with the searches for a new general manager and head coach, but his involvement has clearly grown beyond that. Aikman has remained around the team’s leadership group and seems invested in helping Miami build something that actually lasts.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
One of the biggest signs came recently when Aikman said he plans to be in the Dolphins’ facility for the 2026 NFL Draft. That might not sound like a huge deal, but it shows he is still closely connected to what the franchise is doing and wants to see the process through.
Miami is entering an important stretch with new leadership in place and a lot riding on the draft. Even if Aikman is not the person making the final call on every move, having someone with his experience in the room is a major asset. It also makes it a little easier to understand why some people are wondering how the Dallas Cowboys let him end up somewhere else.
