Troy Aikman reminded fans why he’s one of the best NFL analysts on TV during ABC/ESPN’s coverage of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 23-14 AFC Divisional Playoff win over the Houston Texans. Alongside his broadcast partner Joe Buck, Aikman delivered sharp, candid commentary, particularly on officiating decisions involving Patrick Mahomes.

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Calling Out the Golden Boy and the Refs

Aikman didn’t shy away from criticizing officials for seemingly giving Mahomes preferential treatment. In the third quarter, Mahomes took a hit that looked worse than it was, leading to a flag for helmet-to-helmet contact against Houston. Aikman called it out immediately:

“Aww, come on. I mean, he’s a runner. I could not disagree with that one more. He barely gets hit.”

Later, in the fourth quarter, Mahomes slowed down near the sideline to draw a push from a Texans defender and then theatrically fell to the ground, hoping for another flag. The officials didn’t bite, and Aikman applauded their restraint, adding:

“That’s been the frustration of these defensive players around the league.”

Rather than defending Mahomes as a fellow quarterback, Aikman challenged the league to address flopping:

“You can’t, as a quarterback, run around and play games with defenders, then be able to draw a penalty. They’ve got to address that in the offseason.”

A Lesson for Other Broadcasters

Aikman’s honesty was a refreshing departure from the all-too-common habit of sugarcoating officiating decisions. His candor set a standard for other broadcasters, including Tom Brady, who is set to call Super Bowl LIX for Fox. Aikman and Buck demonstrated that holding the league accountable doesn’t detract from the broadcast—it enhances it.

As the face of the NFL and the leader of a team chasing history with a potential third consecutive Super Bowl, Mahomes garners intense scrutiny. The perception of preferential treatment from officials isn’t just a bad look for him but also for the league. Broadcasters like Aikman prove that addressing these concerns head-on serves both fans and the integrity of the game.

Aikman and Buck’s Chemistry

Beyond the officiating commentary, Aikman and Buck showed why they remain the best booth duo in the business. They even managed to inject humor into the game’s final moments when the Chiefs’ punter ran out of bounds for a safety, securing a backdoor cover for Texans bettors. “Al Michaels is smiling right now,” Aikman quipped, a nod to the legendary broadcaster’s affinity for betting storylines.

Missed Opportunities by ESPN

While Aikman and Buck were on their A-game, ESPN missed an opportunity to capitalize on a major sideline incident. Texans’ Kris Boyd shoved his special teams coach Frank Ross after throwing his helmet on the field, drawing a 15-yard penalty. Though the network initially captured the shocking moment, they failed to follow up on it, despite national interest.

Looking Ahead

If Aikman and Buck’s performance is any indication of what’s to come, ESPN is well-positioned to deliver a stellar broadcast when it airs its first-ever Super Bowl after the 2026 season. For now, fans can appreciate the duo’s unmatched chemistry, honesty, and ability to enhance the viewing experience by saying what everyone is thinking.

Troy Aikman has proven once again that great broadcasting isn’t about playing it safe—it’s about calling it like it is.