Having the last say in every move the Dallas Cowboys make is in the DNA of owner Jerry Jones, who’s called the shots since buying the team in 1989. It appears those days are coming to an end, as word started circulating late Thursday night that former quarterback and hall-of-famer Troy Aikman is on the verge of returning to the Cowboys as the team’s general manager and president of football operations.
Aikman has waited for this possibility for a long time, but circumstances were never favorable for the move until now. Having recently agreed to terms with ESPN to become the lead analyst on Monday Night Football, running the Cowboys’ football operations is practically the only opportunity that would make him walk away.
Privately, Aikman made it known to Jerry a long time ago that he would welcome the call if Jones ever wanted to make a transition out of the day-to-day football decisions. With all that Jones and the Cowboys have gone through in the last couple of months, it appears that the time has come.
Putting his love of broadcasting to the side, including the opportunity to continue working with close friend Joe Buck, Aikman has decided to chase his true dream. Who can blame him?
Yesterday morning, Aikman was preparing for a promotional tour for his new “8” beer and planning some charity appearances. By the afternoon, he was at Jones’ house hearing the full pitch from the man himself, and probably pinching himself that the moment had come.
Aikman is honestly the only person, other than Stephen Jones, that Jerry would hand over the reins of the Cowboys. It makes sense and will begin a new era of Dallas Cowboys football. While difficult for Jones, this move has been considered for some time.
Perhaps it is the legal and PR problems facing Jones and the Cowboys, or maybe his age has something to do with it.
Regardless, the Cowboys are about to look a lot different, beginning with the NFL Draft in a few weeks. Aikman knows the league as well as any personnel man, having to study rosters weekly and watch film.
In so many ways, this is a no-brainer. For many, it has been a long time coming, maybe too long. There are already rumors of changes in the scouting department that Aikman might make. Any initial moves would probably come in the pro scouting ranks, as the amateur scouts have been very busy with the draft.
Linked to the Aikman move is early speculation that Emmitt Smith might get some consideration as the Cowboys’ director of player personnel. The two remain close friends, and Smith’s incredible vision was not regulated to only running the football on the field.
For what it’s worth, ESPN is scrambling to keep Aikman and is expected to raise his salary and possibly add a year or two of term. It may not make a difference, but expect the worldwide leader to give it a shot.
Over at the Star, Mike McCarthy is rumored to be in complete favor of the move, as he knows he is getting a total professional in Aikman who respects the role of a head coach and won’t meddle. Aikman adds stability to a football operation in need of it in during a very busy offseason.
Of all the options to consider, this looks to be the one that makes the most sense for Jerry as well. His legacy will be tied to this hire, one that media and fans alike will be excited about.
Lastly, what does this mean for the Cowboys’ roster? Will Aikman shake things up via trade or will he remain patient and let things settle in before making any moves? Your guess is as good as mine.
Saturday’s press conference should be an interesting one, as word has spread that this is practically a done deal and should be finalized today.
Dallas deserves a winner like Aikman running the show. Jerry has always showed he cared deeply about the team and has a desire to win. This move shows that again, more than ever.
Aikman as GM? Hard to believe and one has to wonder if it is true.
You can find out the real answer by taking the first letter of each paragraph in this piece, putting them together and giving it a read.
Hahaha VERY WELL DONE