NFL Notes: Troy Aikman, CBA Negotiations, Officiating

Troy Aikman

Former Cowboys QB Troy Aikman said he has always had aspirations of being an NFL General Manager and believes it would be a “worthwhile” challenge for him. 

“It’s something that I guess I’ve always somewhat entertained,” Aikman said, via ProFootballTalk. “I’ve had a chance to talk with [Broncos General Manager] John Elway in previous years. I’ve visited with [49ers General Manager] John Lynch, and the decision that he made to take on that job in San Francisco, and I’ve said many many times, I still believe there’s another frontier for me — maybe there’s not — but I believe that there is, and I think that might very well be it. It’s something that I think would be very challenging. I’d be giving up a lot to leave the job that I have to take on a role like that. It’s an all-consuming job and I certainly recognize that, but I think the challenge would make it worthwhile.”

Aikman acknowledged that the likelihood of him being hired as a general manager is decreasing over time. 

“Now whether or not I’m ever afforded that opportunity, we’ll see, but with each year that passes, the likelihood of it happening becomes less and less. I understand that more and more teams want to go young and kind of groom somebody that’s gonna be there for the long haul, but relatively speaking, I’ve got a lot of great years left and I feel that having been in a championship locker room and knowing what that looks like, what that feels like, and then I guess my job now as a broadcaster, I’ve been in those organizations.”

Regarding the possibility of being the Cowboys’ GM, Aikman says it’s a “real long shot” considering that owner Jerry Jones has maintained those responsibilities. 

“I doubt it. I mean, I think that’s a real long shot,” Aikman said. “I believe that it’s unlikely that Jerry will ever bring somebody in that can help this football team in that regard just because he’s been real stubborn and steadfast, in that he’s the one in charge. I think in a lot of ways until that changes, this team’s going to have some problems. Would he ever ask me to come be a part of it? I think that’d be a real leap of faith. I don’t envision that happening, and I don’t envision it happening at any point, quite honestly, no matter who’s in charge out there.”

CBA Negotiations

• According to ESPN’s Tim McManus, most players surveyed by ESPN said they were saving half of their paychecks as the NFL Players Association has recommended in order to prepare for a potential work stoppage. 
• During negotiations for the last CBA in 2011, players not taking adequate financial preparations helped end the lockout in the summer after missing workout bonus checks had an impact. 

NFL Officiating

• According to NFL Media’s Judy Battista, the NFL is planning a top-down review of officiating at the conclusion of the 2019 season, including evaluating director of officiating Al Riveron.
• Falcons CEO and chair of the NFL’s competition committee Rich McKay said the pass interference replay rule will be a “point of discussion” this offseason: “Let’s wait and see. No question there has been angst. But this is the first year we’ve done it.” (Ian Rapoport)
• NFL EVP Troy Vincent said the possibility of a sky judge was broached during the league meetings this week along with other changes to replay: “Everything’s on the table.” (Tom Pelissero)