Harry and Meghan Snubbed by NFL Great

Former Cowboys quarterback, Troy Aikman, 2011. Photo courtesy of Leahdi under CC BY-SA 3.0.

In a town known for billionaires and A-listers who smile through gritted teeth, NFL legend Troy Aikman just did the unthinkable — he publicly shrugged off his royal neighbors, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, with the kind of cool indifference only a Super Bowl MVP could deliver.

The Hall of Fame quarterback and ESPN broadcaster wasn't trying to start a feud. But when asked about mingling with Montecito's most infamous couple, Aikman offered a response that landed like a sun-soaked curveball: he hasn't met them, isn't planning to, and made it clear they're just not his scene. In a recent interview, he reportedly commented that everyone in the area knows the Sussexes live there, but he hasn't run into them and won't be hanging with them anytime soon.

Hollywood Royalty Meets NFL Cool

Since moving to Montecito in 2020, Harry and Meghan have tried to position themselves as modern royalty meets Hollywood producers. But their reception hasn't exactly been all warm welcomes and neighborhood block parties.

Aikman, who's built his post-football life around clean living, disciplined routines, and his own brand of light beer, represents a different flavor of celebrity. While promoting EIGHT Elite Light Beer, he joked that he doubts the royal couple is into light beer, signaling that their lifestyles just don't align.

What Montecito Really Thinks

Aikman said in an interview with US Weekly, "I haven't run into them," as reported by AOL.com. He continued, "But they are there, from what I can gather. I think anyone with a heartbeat knows that they're out there. But I'm not hanging with them, that's for sure." Aikman added jokingly, "I don't think they're drinking much light beer."

Aikman's hands-off attitude isn't an outlier. In Montecito — a community that's home to stars like Natalie Portman, Jeff Bridges, and Oprah Winfrey — not everyone is sold on the royal couple's California reinvention. Residents have voiced mixed reactions to the Sussexes.

Some locals have reportedly complained about increased tourist traffic, higher housing costs, and paparazzi swarms they blame on the couple's presence. Others, however, have praised their community involvement. In an interview with Access Hollywood, Actress Sharon Stone publicly supported the couple, calling them a positive addition to the neighborhood. "They're a part of our community. They've become a giving, caring, participating part of our community. They're not here to be like, 'Would you like to kiss my butt?'" as reported by Fox News.

Harry vs. Meghan: Different Vibes?

In an interview with the Daily Mail, local columnist Richard Mineards suggested that Harry is often seen biking or stopping into coffee shops, making casual conversation with locals. Meghan, by contrast, is portrayed as intensely focused on her image and less inclined to participate in casual community life. Mineards added, "Here in Montecito, we appreciate simple people, even famous ones. Meghan doesn't play the community game," as reported by Page Six.

A Cultural Collision in the Hills

This moment isn't just about a former quarterback passing on wine night with royalty. It's a reflection of something deeper — a clash between two versions of celebrity. On one side, there's Aikman: no-frills, proudly American, and uninterested in spectacle. On the other, the Sussexes: globally known, relentlessly branded, and endlessly analyzed.

Aikman's remark didn't drip with disdain. It was more of a relaxed "no thanks." And that might say more than any harsh words could. In a town built on perception, sometimes silence — or a well-placed shrug — speaks volumes.

References: Troy Aikman reveals why he hasn't become friendly with royal neighbors Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Why NFL legend Troy Aikman won't hang out with neighbors Meghan Markle and Prince Harry | Troy Aikman Jokes About Why He Hasn't Spent Time With Neighbors Prince Harry and Meghan Markle