Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Troy Aikman

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Troy Aikman made an impact.

Troy Aikman is a Hall of Fame former NFL quarterback, primarily known for his 12 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. After a college career at UCLA where he won the Davey O'Brien Award, he was the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL draft. Aikman led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories, earning MVP honors in Super Bowl XXVII. A six-time Pro Bowler, his career is defined by his leadership and success in restoring the Cowboys to prominence. He was inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1984: First Freshman Quarterback Starter

In 1984, Troy Aikman became the first freshman to start at quarterback for Oklahoma since World War II, marking a significant milestone in his college career.

1985: Led Sooners to Victories

In 1985, Troy Aikman led the Oklahoma Sooners to victories over Minnesota, Kansas State, and No. 17 Texas before his season was cut short due to injury.

1987: Named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year

In 1987, as a junior, Troy Aikman was named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year, throwing for 2,525 yards and 17 touchdowns and leading the Bruins to a 10-2 record.

February 25, 1989: Jerry Jones Fires Tom Landry

On February 25, 1989, new Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones fired head coach Tom Landry and replaced him with Jimmy Johnson, marking a significant change for the team and Aikman's early career.

August 26, 1989: First NFL Preseason Game

On August 26, 1989, Troy Aikman played his first NFL preseason game against the Denver Broncos, marking his first appearance in the league.

1989: Drafted #1 Overall

In 1989, Troy Aikman was selected first overall in the NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys, marking the beginning of his professional career.

1990: Injured in 15th game

In 1990, Troy Aikman led the Cowboys to a 7-7 record but was injured in the 15th game against the Philadelphia Eagles, which impacted the team's playoff chances.

1990: Steve Walsh Traded

In 1990, after Aikman won the starting quarterback job, Steve Walsh, who was drafted in the NFL's supplemental draft, was traded early in the season.

1990: Missed Playoffs First Time Since 1990

In 1997, the Cowboys missed the playoffs for the first time since 1990, and Switzer suffered the first losing season of his career.

1991: First Pro Bowl Selection

In 1991, Troy Aikman was selected to the first of six consecutive Pro Bowls, marking a significant achievement in his NFL career.

1992: Super Bowl XXVII MVP

In 1992, Troy Aikman led the Cowboys to victory in Super Bowl XXVII against the Buffalo Bills and was named Super Bowl MVP.

1993: Super Bowl XXVIII Victory

In 1993, Troy Aikman led the Dallas Cowboys to victory in Super Bowl XXVIII, defeating the Buffalo Bills 30-13.

March 29, 1994: Jimmy Johnson Leaves the Team

On March 29, 1994, Jimmy Johnson left the Dallas Cowboys, and Jerry Jones hired Barry Switzer, Troy Aikman's former college coach, as the new head coach.

1995: Super Bowl XXX Victory

In 1995, Troy Aikman led the Dallas Cowboys to victory in Super Bowl XXX against the Pittsburgh Steelers, securing their third Super Bowl win in four years.

1996: NFC East Division Title

In 1996, Troy Aikman helped lead the Cowboys to another NFC East Division title and a home game in the wild card round.

1997: First Quarterback in Cowboys History

In 1997, Troy Aikman became the first quarterback in Cowboys history to have three straight 3,000-yard seasons.

1998: Rebound Year for Aikman and Cowboys

In 1998, despite missing five games, Troy Aikman helped lead the Cowboys back to the NFC East title and the playoffs.

1999: Career-High Five Touchdown Passes

In 1999, Troy Aikman threw a career-high five touchdown passes, including the game-winner in overtime, against the Washington Redskins.

2000: Retirement from NFL

In 2000, Troy Aikman retired from professional football, concluding his 12-season career with the Dallas Cowboys.

2000: Final Season and Concussion

In 2000, Troy Aikman's final season as a professional football player, he suffered multiple concussions, with his last game ending due to a hit by LaVar Arrington that resulted in his tenth career concussion.

2001: Waived by Cowboys and Retirement Announcement

During the 2001 offseason, Troy Aikman was waived by the Cowboys and announced his retirement on April 9, ending his career as the Cowboys' all-time leading passer.

2001: Joins Fox's NFC telecasts

In 2001, Troy Aikman joined Fox's NFC telecasts as a color commentator after retiring from professional football.

2001: Release from Cowboys

In 2001, Troy Aikman was released by the Cowboys.

2001: Joins NFL on Fox as Color Commentator

In 2001, after retiring from the NFL, Troy Aikman began his broadcasting career as a color commentator for NFL on Fox.

2002: Declined offer to start for Eagles

In 2002, Andy Reid called Troy Aikman to offer him the starting position for the Eagles after Donovan McNabb suffered a broken ankle, but Aikman declined.

2002: Named to Fox's lead announcing crew

In 2002, Troy Aikman was named to Fox's lead announcing crew, teaming up with Joe Buck and Cris Collinsworth.

2003: Agreed to play for the Miami Dolphins

In 2003, Troy Aikman agreed to play for the Miami Dolphins with Turner as their offensive coordinator and began training again, but the team decided not to sign a contract with him.

2004: Emmy Award nomination and near comeback with Miami Dolphins

In 2004, Aikman received an Emmy Award nomination for his television work. Also in 2004, he nearly came out of retirement to sign a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins, but the Dolphins ended up not signing him.

February 9, 2010: Joined the National Football Foundation Board of Directors

On February 9, 2010, Aikman became a member of the National Football Foundation Board of Directors.

2010: Co-spokesman for Rent-a-Center

In 2010, Aikman became a co-spokesman for Rent-a-Center, along with Hulk Hogan.

2011: Joined Oxford Preparatory Academy Charter School Advisory Board

In 2011, Aikman joined the Oxford Preparatory Academy Charter School Advisory Board in Southern California.

March 2014: Partner and spokesman for IDLife

In March 2014, Aikman was announced as a partner and spokesman for IDLife.

2016: Merges foundation with United Way

In 2016, Aikman merged his foundation with the United Way Foundation of Metropolitan Dallas and donated $1 million to United Way.

2016: Near comeback revealed

In 2016, it was revealed that in 2004 Aikman nearly came out of retirement to sign a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins, but the Dolphins ended up not signing him.

January 2020: Desire to Sign with Chargers

In January 2020, Troy Aikman said he wanted to sign with the San Diego Chargers to play for Norv Turner after being released by the Cowboys in the 2001 offseason.