Monday Night Football paused for something bigger than the game on Week 7’s Cowboys-Eagles matchup at Lincoln Financial Field, as ESPN honored longtime sports radio personality David Moulton during the fourth quarter.
Moulton, who had worked on Monday Night Football for the past several years, died over the weekend after a six-year battle with stage four renal cell cancer. He was 59.
The tribute clearly hit home for Troy Aikman, who had a long relationship with Moulton from their time together on FOX NFL coverage on Thursdays and Sundays. Aikman and Joe Buck took a moment on the broadcast to remember their colleague and friend, and Aikman became emotional during the segment.
Aikman had already shared a heartfelt message after learning of Moulton’s death, calling him his “right -hand man” and reflecting on the bond they built over the years.
“Since 2018, David Moulton has been my right-hand man in the broadcast booth,” Aikman wrote on Instagram. “What started as a professional relationship became a friendship I have cherished.
David was loyal, dependable and a warrior until the very end. He deserved better.
"My heart breaks for his family and all who loved him. I’m grateful for the years we shared and will miss him deeply. Rest in peace, big guy.”
Moulton’s wife, Julie, confirmed his death on Saturday with a statement shared to the Fort Myers News-Press. She said he died while in hospice care at the Douglas Center for Caring and described the depth of the family’s grief.
“It is with a completely shattered heart broken into a million pieces I share that my loving husband, David, died last night while in hospice care at the Douglas Center for Caring,” she wrote. “David battled stage four renal cell cancer for six long years.
It metastasized to his bones two years ago. He never stopped fighting or trying new treatments.
He loved life and loved each and every one of you more than words can express. We are so thankful for the love and support you all have given us.
“My sweet husband you are finally free of pain and with all our heavenly angels. Thank you for blessing us with the gift of you and for sharing your beautiful life with all of us.
Cherish every second and he did. Love you.”
The moment on ESPN made plain how much Moulton meant to the people around the booth.
In Other News...
Marlins Still Have Two Roster Holes Fans Know Too Well
The Marlins are still staring at the same two holes that have followed them for much of the season: a bullpen that never quite settles in and a lineup that needs a true power bat. Milwaukees postseason run only sharpened the contrast, with a deep relief group helping carry the Brewers while Miami keeps searching for more reliable late-inning answers and a middle-of-the-order threat who can change a game with one swing.
There are some internal possibilities to monitor, but the bigger picture is hard to ignore. Miami may need a meaningful trade or signing to bring real stability to the relief corps and add the kind of offense that can support a stronger run at contention, because patchwork fixes have not solved either problem for long. [Read more 🡒]