On Monday evening, NFL fans watching ESPN’s broadcast of the Buccaneers vs. Ravens game noticed something different about longtime commentator Troy Aikman. The Hall of Fame quarterback, best known for leading the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s, has been part of ESPN’s Monday Night Football team since 2022.
Alongside Joe Buck, Aikman made the transition from Fox Sports to ESPN, where the duo continues to provide commentary on some of the NFL’s biggest matchups. However, during Monday’s broadcast, fans couldn’t help but point out something unusual about Aikman’s appearance.
Throughout the game, viewers observed that Aikman’s eyes appeared notably bloodshot, sparking a wave of comments on social media. Fans quickly took to Twitter and other platforms to share their observations about the broadcaster’s noticeably red eyes.
“Can Troy Aikman’s eyes be any more bloodshot?” one fan tweeted.
“How does Troy Aikman always have bloodshot eyes?” another fan questioned.
“Why does Troy Aikman ALWAYS have bloodshot eyes? Every week, every game,” another fan added, echoing a common sentiment from the broadcast.
“Troy Aikman’s eyes are extremely bloodshot,” yet another viewer pointed out.
“What the heck is up with Troy Aikman’s eyes?” someone else asked.
While many fans speculated about the cause of Aikman’s eye condition, it’s not the first time the former quarterback has dealt with this issue. Aikman has been open in the past about undergoing LASIK eye surgery, a procedure designed to improve vision but one that sometimes leads to long-term side effects like redness and dryness.
Over the years, Aikman has experienced ongoing issues with his eyes, particularly in terms of irritation and dryness, which may have been what fans noticed during Monday’s game.
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Given his history with eye-related problems, it’s likely that Aikman was simply dealing with those familiar symptoms on Monday night. Redness and dryness are common side effects for individuals who’ve had LASIK surgery, especially under certain conditions like prolonged screen time or exposure to bright lights—both of which are part of the job for a sports broadcaster.
Though the sight of Aikman’s bloodshot eyes caught the attention of viewers, it doesn’t appear to be a cause for serious concern.
Fans have expressed hope that he’s doing well, as his professionalism and passion for the game continue to shine through in his commentary. Despite the visual distraction, Aikman delivered his usual insightful analysis throughout the Buccaneers-Ravens matchup, showing that his focus on the game remains as sharp as ever.
Hopefully, the eye irritation Aikman appeared to experience during Monday’s broadcast is a minor issue and something he can manage moving forward.
As one of the most recognizable voices in the NFL, fans are eager to see him continue his role in the booth, providing expert commentary for seasons to come.
