Troy Aikman facts for kids
Aikman in 2011
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| Position: | Quarterback | ||||||||||||
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| Born: | November 21, 1966 West Covina, California, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 220 lb (100 kg) | ||||||||||||
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| High school: | Henryetta (Henryetta, Oklahoma) | ||||||||||||
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| NFL Draft: | 1989 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1 | ||||||||||||
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Pro Football Hall of Fame
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College Football Hall of Fame
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Troy Kenneth Aikman (born November 21, 1966) is a famous American former football quarterback. He played for 12 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL).
Before joining the NFL, Aikman played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners and then the UCLA Bruins. He won the Davey O'Brien Award in his senior year. The Cowboys chose Aikman as the very first player in the 1989 NFL draft. He went on to play in six Pro Bowls and helped the Cowboys win three Super Bowls. He was also named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of Super Bowl XXVII.
After he stopped playing in 2000, Aikman became a color commentator for NFL on Fox from 2001 to 2021. Since 2022, he has been a commentator for Monday Night Football. He and his partner Joe Buck have been a commentary team for a very long time, setting a record in NFL history. Aikman was also a part-owner of a NASCAR team called Hall of Fame Racing and is a part-owner of the San Diego Padres baseball team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
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Early Life and High School Football
Troy Aikman was born on November 21, 1966. He spent his early childhood in California. When he was 12, his family moved to Henryetta, Oklahoma.
In Henryetta, he played both football and baseball for his high school team. He was recognized as an All-State player for his skills. Aikman even won a state championship in typing in 1983!
College Football Career
Playing for Oklahoma
After high school, the New York Mets baseball team offered Aikman a contract. However, he chose to play football instead and went to the University of Oklahoma. He played under coach Barry Switzer.
In 1984, Aikman made history as the first freshman to start as quarterback for Oklahoma since World War II. In 1985, during his first full season as a starter, he led the Sooners to several wins. Unfortunately, he broke his ankle in a game against the Miami Hurricanes. This injury ended his season.
Because of his injury and another quarterback becoming the starter, Aikman decided to transfer to another university.
Success at UCLA
Aikman transferred to the UCLA, where he played for coach Terry Donahue. He had to sit out one year due to transfer rules. After that, he led the UCLA Bruins to an impressive 20 wins and only 4 losses over two seasons.
As a junior, Aikman was named the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year. He threw for 2,525 yards and 17 touchdowns. He led the Bruins to a 10-2 record and a win in the 1987 Aloha Bowl.
In his senior year, Aikman threw for 2,771 yards and 24 touchdowns. He won the 1988 Davey O'Brien Award, which goes to the nation's best quarterback. He was also recognized as an All-American player. UCLA had another great season, winning 10 games. Their season ended with a victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks in the 1989 Cotton Bowl Classic. This game was played in Dallas, which was a big deal because the Dallas media was already talking about Aikman possibly playing for the Cowboys.
In 2008, Aikman was chosen for the College Football Hall of Fame. In 2014, UCLA honored him by retiring his number 8 jersey.
Professional Football Career
Joining the Dallas Cowboys
In 1989, the Dallas Cowboys chose Troy Aikman as the very first player in the NFL Draft. This was a big moment for the team, as they had a new owner, Jerry Jones, and a new coach, Jimmy Johnson. Aikman quickly became the starting quarterback.
His first NFL season in 1989 was tough. The Cowboys did not win any games with him as the starter. He threw for 1,749 yards and 9 touchdowns.
The Triplets and Super Bowl Wins
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After Aikman's first year, the Cowboys drafted Emmitt Smith, a talented running back. With Aikman, Smith, and wide receiver Michael Irvin, the team formed a powerful trio known as "The Triplets."
In 1991, Aikman was selected for his first of six straight Pro Bowls. In 1992, he had a fantastic season, throwing for 3,445 yards and 23 touchdowns. He led the Cowboys to 13 wins, a team record. They won their playoff games and made it to Super Bowl XXVII against the Buffalo Bills. The Cowboys won 52-17, and Aikman was named the Super Bowl MVP for his amazing performance, throwing 4 touchdowns.
The Cowboys continued their success in 1993, finishing with the best record in their conference. Aikman led them to another Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XXVIII, again against the Buffalo Bills. The Cowboys won 30-13.
In 1995, with Barry Switzer as their new coach, the Cowboys had another great season. Aikman led them to their third Super Bowl appearance in four years. They won Super Bowl XXX against the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17, securing their third championship with Aikman as quarterback.
Later Career and Retirement
After their Super Bowl wins, the Cowboys continued to be a strong team. In 1996, Aikman helped them win another division title. However, they lost in the playoffs. In 1997, Aikman became the first Cowboys quarterback to have three straight seasons with over 3,000 passing yards.
The 2000 season was Aikman's last as a professional player. He suffered several concussions during the season. His final game was against the Washington Redskins, where he suffered his tenth and final concussion.
Aikman officially announced his retirement on April 9, 2001. He finished his career as the Cowboys' all-time leading passer with 32,942 yards. He had 94 career wins, with 90 of them happening in the 1990s.
Life After Football
After retiring from playing, Troy Aikman became a successful color commentator for NFL games. He joined Fox in 2001 and became part of their main announcing team in 2002, working with Joe Buck. He has broadcast six Super Bowls. In 2022, he and Joe Buck moved to ESPN to become the lead commentators for Monday Night Football.
Aikman also hosts a weekly sports radio show. He is the chairman of the Troy Aikman Foundation, a charity that helps children. The foundation has focused on building play areas for children's hospitals. In 2016, he merged his foundation with the United Way Foundation of Metropolitan Dallas and donated $1 million to United Way.
On September 19, 2005, Aikman was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor along with his former teammates Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith. On August 5, 2006, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 2008, he was also honored for his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
In 2010, Aikman became a member of the National Football Foundation Board of Directors. He has also been a spokesman for different companies. In 2022, he launched his own light beer brand called Eight. He also owns a restaurant called Troy's.
Personal Life
Troy Aikman lives in Dallas. He has two daughters. He married Catherine "Capa" Mooty in 2017, but they later divorced in 2023.
See also
In Spanish: Troy Aikman para niños
- Troy Aikman NFL Football, a 1994 video game
