Bradshaw doubts Aikman-Buck feud is really about money

Terry Bradshaw 'doesn't want to believe' the ongoing feud between Troy Aikman and Joe Buck is really about money.

The FOX NFL Sunday icon spoke about the rift on the Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox News on Wednesday.

Bradshaw has known both broadcasters for years, having worked alongside them at FOX.

He said he has been in direct contact with Buck about the situation.

"I have talked to Buck via text and told him I don't assume everything I'm reading is correct," Bradshaw said.

"I know Troy Aikman well; they're both really good friends of mine."

The feud between Aikman and Buck has dominated NFL headlines since September.

Reports emerged that Buck had secured a six-year, $108 million extension to remain with ESPN into the 2030s.

Aikman was not offered the same renewal.

That detail fractured the 25-year broadcasting tandem, the longest-running continuous partnership in NFL history.

Details soon emerged of an on-air rift between the pair.

The reports claimed Buck had gone behind Aikman's back to sign his new contract.

The pair had reportedly intended to approach ESPN as a package deal.

Bradshaw addressed that specific claim on the radio show.

"I have heard that they were going to go into ESPN together and get a new deal together," Bradshaw said.

"Joe, evidently, got his before Troy, and that seems to be the rift."

Bradshaw paused before adding the key word: "It's about money."

Then he immediately pushed back against that conclusion.

"I find that hard to believe because Troy Aikman is not like that," Bradshaw said.

"He's not like that."

Aikman currently earns an estimated $18 million to $18.5 million per year as part of the multi-year deal he signed with ESPN alongside Buck in 2022.

Bradshaw pointed out that Aikman is already making significant money.

"I don't understand, because Troy has a big contract now, and Joe Buck got a big contract, and I don't want to believe that it's the money that Buck got that's got Troy upset, because Troy's making big money," Bradshaw said.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback vouched for Aikman's character.

He said he struggles to believe the money side of things has upset his friend.

Bradshaw offered an update on the current state of their relationship.

"My understanding right now is that things are OK," Bradshaw said.

The timing of this feud could not be worse for ESPN.

The network is preparing for its first-ever Super Bowl broadcast.

Super Bowl LXI will take place in February.

Aikman's contract with ESPN expires after that game.

It is strongly suggested that Aikman will leave ESPN upon the expiry of his contract.

That would leave a massive hole in the Monday Night Football booth.

ESPN has already begun looking for potential replacements.

The Athletic reported that Peyton Manning is ESPN's number one choice to replace Aikman.

Manning already has a lucrative deal with ESPN.

He and his brother, Eli, host the Manning Cast, an alternative viewing option to the Monday Night Football broadcast.

If Manning took the booth role, the Manning Cast would naturally have to come to an end.

Greg Olsen has also been mentioned as a candidate.

NFL fans have reacted strongly to the idea of Manning in the booth.

"The perfect choice," one fan replied on X.

"This would be awesome actually. I would love to hear Peyton just talk ball instead of having to entertain guests on the Manning Cast," added another.

"Peyton might be the first announcer to diagnose the defense, change the play, and call the touchdown before the ball is snapped. I enjoy Aikman but Manning would be great," replied another NFL fan.

"Peyton in the booth I'm down for that," said another.

"Perfect choice. Peyton will be the next John Madden," another fan added.

It is claimed that Buck has recently made Denver his home and now lives just five minutes away from Manning.

However, Manning has always rejected the idea of potentially taking on a role in the booth.

The ongoing drama has drawn criticism from analysts.

One NFL analyst argued that the feud "tarnishes ESPN's first-ever Super Bowl season."

USA Today reported that the broadcasters are "headed for a split."

ESPN has been urged to take action against Aikman amid the alleged beef.

NFL fans have described themselves as "heartbroken" over the growing feud.