Cowboys legend Troy Aikman sends emotional message to coach Schottenheimer's team ahead of Commanders Showdown

Arlington, Texas – October 19, 2025

On the eve of the pivotal Week 7 NFL matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium, Cowboys legend Troy Aikman delivered a deeply emotional message to the team via a video posted on the team’s official account. With a warm, resonant voice and glistening eyes, Aikman – who led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX) – ignited the fighting spirit of the players under the leadership of head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

In the over two-minute video, Aikman, now a renowned ESPN commentator, began with a familiar image: his number 8 jersey hanging proudly in the Hall of Fame. “Guys, I fought on this turf three decades ago, but today, I see in you the fire I once had. The Cowboys aren’t just a team – we’re a family, a legacy,” Aikman said, his voice choked with emotion. “The game against the Commanders isn’t just about a win. It’s about proving that the Dallas spirit lives forever.”

Aikman specifically addressed Dak Prescott, the team’s captain and veteran quarterback: “Dak, you’re the heart of this team. Remember, perfect passes don’t just come from talent, but from the heart. I’ve been in your shoes, and I know – when you play for your brothers, nothing can stop you.” He also rallied the defense: “Warriors, turn that field into our own ‘Hell in a Cell.’ The Commanders have speed, but we have will.”

The message quickly spread across social media, with the hashtag #AikmanLegacy trending number 1 in Texas. Cowboys fans, anxious after two consecutive losses, expressed their emotion. One fan wrote on X: “Aikman spoke, and I cried. This is why the Cowboys are immortal!” Another shared: “From legend to the new generation – the spirit remains unchanged.”

Schottenheimer, who received the video just hours before the final practice, played it for the entire team. “Troy isn’t just the past – he’s the compass for our future,” he said. “Today, we play for him, for Dallas, and for ourselves.”

With a 3-3 record, the Cowboys urgently need a win to keep pace in the NFC East. The matchup against the Commanders – led by the explosive Jayden Daniels – promises intensity. But with Aikman’s message, the Cowboys don’t just have a strategy – they have a soul. Will “How ‘Bout Them Cowboys?” echo once more? The answer comes tonight.