Troy Aikman’s 2-Word Message for Cowboys Legend After Predicting Mike McCarthy’s Return in 2025

Donning no. 8, Troy Aikman became the Dallas Cowboys’ star during his 12-year tenure from 1989 to 2000. During his time, he led the team to three Super Bowl victories (1992, 1993 and 1995). Now that 25 years have passed since his retirement, his heart still beats for the Cowboys and its people. The most recent was for another Cowboys legend.

On Sunday, Troy Aikman shared a story on his official Instagram account. In this new update, he shared a picture of the former wide receiver, Drew Pearson, who was holding two glasses of beer of “EIGHT Elite Light Lager” brand. Well, it’s not clear for whom the second beer is, but fans speculate it’s for Aikman himself.

Nevertheless, the purpose of Troy Aikman’s story was to wish a happy birthday to Drew Pearson, as he turned 74 on January 12. Hence, in the story caption, Aikman wrote: “The Original 88 celebrating his birthday with EIGHT HBD Drew!”

Troy Aikman’s two-word message “HBD Drew,” honored with “Original 88” tells us how much the former quarterback respects him. To the people who are unaware, 88 was the jersey no. of Pearson in Dallas, who was the team’s all-time leader for receptions (489) and receiving yards (7,822) at the time of his retirement.

Like Aikman, Pearson too helped the Cowboys make three Super Bowl appearances. However, unlike him, the former wide receiver got a victory only one year, in Super Bowl XII in 1978. Nevertheless, off the field the two share a strong bond of friendship, and that’s why on Pearson’s big day, Troy Aikman gave him a tribute, wishing the legend a happy birthday.

Apart from all these, the two are also true to their Cowboys’s loyalty, as they keep on discussing Dallas and its players in podcasts and shows. For instance, the latest take was made by Troy Aikman, who thinks Mike McCarthy will be back.

Why does Troy Aikman think Mike McCarthy will be back?

The Cowboys were eliminated from the playoff selections this time. With just 7 wins and 10 losses, Mike McCarthy’s team failed to meet Jerry Jones’ expectations. Hence, speculation is rife that the 2024 season might be the end of McCarthy’s marriage with Dallas. But Aikman doesn’t think so.

According to Troy Aikman during his weekly interview with Sportsradio 96.7 FM, “I don’t know how you sell this one way or another. I’ve thought for a while that he would be back. I guess the fact that it hasn’t been announced publicly that he is coming back, then it must come down to a contract, if they can reach an agreement on a contract, what that might look like.” In addition, Aikman pointed out Jones’ rejection when Chicago reached out to interview Mike McCarthy.

Hence, Aikman thinks that Mike McCarthy will be back with America’s team in 2025 too. His clear statements said it all – “If [McCarthy]’s not back, you know, what then? How much thought has been going into who might be the next coach, and are you missing out on opportunities to interview those people? So, it never gets dull. But my gut says that Mike will be back.”

Well, this could be true, because of what NFL insider Tom Pelissero posted on X. He claimed that Jerry Jones and coach Mike McCarthy are open to moving forward together and they are about to hold talks on a new contract. Another throw right on target from the Dallas legend?