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 former NFL quarterback, primarily known for his successful tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. He began his college football career at Oklahoma before transferring to UCLA, where he won the Davey O'Brien Award. Drafted first overall by the Cowboys in 1989, Aikman led the team to six Pro Bowls and three Super Bowl victories, earning Super Bowl XXVII MVP honors. His achievements led to his induction into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2006) and the College Football Hall of Fame (2008).

Sections (5)

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

1978: First Super Bowl Appearance since 1978

In 1992, Troy Aikman completed two game-changing passes that sent the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1978.

1984: First Freshman Starting Quarterback

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

1985: Ankle Injury and Transfer to UCLA

In 1985, Troy Aikman suffered a broken ankle during a game against Miami, leading to his being out for the season. Subsequently, he decided to transfer to UCLA due to Jamelle Holieway's establishment as the starting quarterback at Oklahoma.

1987: Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year

In 1987, as a junior at UCLA, Troy Aikman was named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year. He threw for 2,525 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, leading the Bruins to a 10–2 record and a victory in the Aloha Bowl.

1988: Davey O'Brien Award and Heisman Trophy Finalist

In 1988, Troy Aikman won the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's top quarterback and was a Consensus All-American. He threw for 2,771 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. He finished third in voting for the 1988 Heisman Trophy.

February 25, 1989: Tom Landry Fired, Jimmy Johnson Hired

On February 25, 1989, Jerry Jones fired Tom Landry and replaced him with Jimmy Johnson as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

August 26, 1989: First NFL Preseason Game

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

1989: Victory in Cotton Bowl Classic

In 1989, Troy Aikman and UCLA capped off the 1988 season with a 17–3 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Cotton Bowl Classic, played in Dallas.

1989: Selected First Overall in NFL Draft

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

1990: Steve Walsh Traded

In 1990, after winning the starting quarterback job over Steve Walsh, Troy Aikman saw Walsh traded early in the season.

1990: Missed Playoffs

In 1997, The Cowboys missed the playoffs for the first time since 1990.

1992: Super Bowl XXVII MVP

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

March 29, 1994: Jimmy Johnson's Departure

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

1995: Super Bowl XXX Victory

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

1996: NFC East Division Title

In 1996, despite offensive struggles, Troy Aikman helped lead the Dallas Cowboys to another NFC East Division title and a win in the wild card round.

1997: First Cowboys QB with Three Straight 3,000-Yard Seasons

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

1998: Return to Playoffs After Missing Five Games

In 1998, despite missing five games due to injury, Troy Aikman led the Cowboys back to the NFC East title and the playoffs, but they were upset in the wild card round.

1999: Career-High Five Touchdown Passes

In 1999, Troy Aikman threw a career-high five touchdown passes in a game against the Washington Redskins. It also marked his final playoff appearance.

2000: Aikman's 2000 season

During the 2000 season, Aikman faced persistent back pain. He claims that, while the hit by Arrington ended his 2000 season, his back pain ultimately ended his career.

2000: Retirement from NFL

In 2000, Troy Aikman retired from professional football after a successful career with the Dallas Cowboys.

2001: Color Commentator for NFL on Fox

From 2001 to 2021, Troy Aikman served as the color commentator for NFL on Fox after retiring from the NFL.

2001: Aikman considered signing with the Chargers

In 2001, Troy Aikman considered signing with the San Diego Chargers after being released by the Cowboys, but he chose to retire after they signed Doug Flutie instead.

2001: Aikman Joins Fox

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

2001: Waived and Retirement Announcement

In 2001, Troy Aikman was waived by the Cowboys a day before a contract extension was due and subsequently announced his retirement on April 9. He ended his career as the Cowboys' all-time leading passer.

2002: Aikman declines offer from Eagles

In 2002, Andy Reid offered Aikman the starting quarterback position for the Eagles after Donovan McNabb's injury, but Aikman declined the offer.

2002: Aikman Named to Fox's Lead Crew

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

2003: Aikman nearly signs with the Miami Dolphins

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

2004: Aikman's Emmy Nomination and potential Dolphins deal

In 2004, Troy Aikman received an Emmy Award nomination for his television work and nearly came out of retirement to sign a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins, which ultimately did not happen.

2005: Co-owner of Hall of Fame Racing

From 2005 to 2009, Troy Aikman was a co-owner of Hall of Fame Racing, a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team.

2005: Aikman establishes Hall of Fame Racing

In late 2005, Troy Aikman, along with Roger Staubach, established a NASCAR team called Hall of Fame Racing.

2006: Hall of Fame Racing competes in NASCAR Nextel Cup Series

In 2006, Hall of Fame Racing, co-owned by Troy Aikman, fielded the No. 96 car in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series with drivers Terry Labonte and Tony Raines.

2007: Raines drives for Hall of Fame Racing

In 2007, Tony Raines drove for Hall of Fame Racing full-time, a team co-owned by Troy Aikman.

2008: Yeley and Coleman drive for Hall of Fame Racing

In 2008, J. J. Yeley and Brad Coleman drove the car for Hall of Fame Racing, a team co-owned by Troy Aikman.

2009: Hall of Fame Racing closes

In 2009, Hall of Fame Racing, co-owned by Troy Aikman, closed after the season.

2009: End of Involvement with Hall of Fame Racing

In 2009, Troy Aikman's involvement as a co-owner of Hall of Fame Racing came to an end.

2010: Aikman becomes Rent-a-Center co-spokesman

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

2011: Aikman joins Oxford Preparatory Academy Charter School Advisory Board

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

December 2013: Aikman discusses retirement

In December 2013, Troy Aikman stated in a radio interview that persistent back issues, not the hit by Arrington, were the primary reason for his retirement from professional football.

March 2014: Aikman becomes partner and spokesman for IDLife

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

2016: Aikman merges foundation with United Way

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

2016: Details of 2004 Dolphins Deal Revealed

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

January 2020: Aikman wanted to sign with Chargers

In January 2020, Troy Aikman revealed he wanted to sign with the San Diego Chargers after being released by the Cowboys in 2001. However, they signed Doug Flutie instead, leading Aikman to retire.