Troy Aikman

Dallas Cowboys Player Troy Aikman

Before the Dallas Cowboys

Troy Aikman was born November 21st 1966 in West Covina, California. His parents noticed he had a bow to his legs, and the doctor confirmed that he had clubfoot. As an infant he underwent surgery and wore casts until he was 13 months old to correct the condition.

At the age of twelve, his family moved to Henryetta, Oklahoma. After high school, he was offered a place with the New York Mets, but he turned down baseball for football at the University of Oklahoma. He soon transferred to UCLA to study Sociology.

While at Oklahoma in 1985, his first season, Troy Aikman lead his team to wins over Minnesota, Kansas State and Texas in the Red River Shootout before hosting the Miami Hurricanes. On October 19th, Aikman was sacked by Jerome Brown and broke his ankle, which put him out for the remainder of the season. Coach Jim Donnan put in Jamelle Holieway and the team went on to with the 1985 Championship.

After that season, Troy Aikman opted to transfer to UCLA to play for the Bruins and continue his education in new surroundings. It was a smart move. Troy Aikman dominated at UCLA.

As a junior, he led the team to a 10-2 record and the 1987 Aloha Bowl, beating the Gators 20-16. He also was a Pac-10 Offensive Player of the year. As a senior, Aikman won the Davey O’Brian Award as the top quarterback, bringing the trophy to UCLA for the first time. He led the team to another 10-2 record, losing only to USC and Washington State. He finished out the year beating the Arkansas Razorbacks in the 1989 Cotton Bowl, and it was there that he caught the eye of The Dallas Cowboys.

They made it clear that Aikman was going to be their next quarterback.

Dallas Cowboys Career

Troy Aikman was signed in early 1989. His NFL career started with a 28-0 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Not long after, though, he threw a 379 yard pass and set a NFL rookie record in a game against the Phoenix Cardinals. He finished his first season with a 0-11 record as a starter, completing 155 of 293 passes for 1,749 yards, 9 Tds, 18 INTs.

Troy Aikman has since retired, but he left his mark on NFL and the Dallas Cowboys. Here are some of his career highlights:

• After his stunning first season, Aikman lead the Dallas Cowboys to wins at Superbowl XXVII, XXVIII and XXX.
• MVP of Super Bowl XXVII
• 1997 Walter Payton Man of the Year
• Six Straight Pro Bowl Appearances

• 1988 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award

• Ranks 17th on NFL All-Time Pass Attempts (4,715)
• Ranks 12th on NFL All Time Pass Completions (2,898)
• Ranks 21st on NFL All-Time Gross Yards Passing (32,942
• Ranks 47th on NFL All-Time Passing Touchdowns (165)
• Ranks 54th on NFL All-Time Yards Lost (1,748)
• Ranks 28th on NFL All-Time Passer Rating (81.82)
• Tied with Eddie LeBaron and Jim Zorn on NFL All-Time Passes intercepted (141)

• Six Straight Pro Bowl Appearances

Get to Know Your Dallas Cowboy

Where is He Now?
Troy Aikman left the Cowboys in 2001 but he didn’t go far from sports and football. He joined Fox’s NFC telecasts as a color commentator for the ‘01 season. Just a year later, he was named to the network’s lead announcing crew. He even received an Emmy Award nomination for his television work in 2004, and has broadcasted three Superbowls to date.

Fun Facts

• Appeared in a commercial for Wing-Stop Chicken restaurants in 2009 with Jerry Jones
• Is known for sticking out his tongue when making passes
• Was invited to be on Dancing with the Stars, but turned it down.
• Nicknames are “Godfather” and “Roy”