Troy Aikman jokes he needs money to try Justin Jefferson’s diamond chain
A chain draws attention
Shortly before halftime of the Buffalo Bills’ game against the Minnesota Vikings, broadcasters discussed the large diamond chain worn by Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Aikman said he could not imagine wearing it on the field, then joked that he might try if someone lent him money. The comment caught viewers’ attention because of his contract situation at ESPN.
Different contract paths
Joe Buck signed a six-year, $108 million extension with ESPN in the spring. Aikman, who has not received an offer he considers serious, is heading toward free agency, leaving uncertainty about where he will work next season. The pair’s differing futures have been a widely reported source of tension in the Monday Night Football booth, though that strain has generally stayed out of broadcasts.
The broadcast moves on
After Aikman’s joke, Buck gave an awkward chuckle. Aikman added a brief “huh,” and the broadcast continued. Aikman is in the last season of a $90 million ESPN contract. If ESPN chooses to split up the booth, he is expected to have opportunities in football, in media or in a front office.
Key points
- Aikman joked that he would try Jefferson’s diamond chain if someone lent him money.
- Buck signed a six-year, $108 million ESPN extension.
- Aikman is finishing a $90 million ESPN contract and approaching free agency.
- The broadcasters quickly moved on from the exchange.