How education and upbringing influenced the life of Troy Aikman. A timeline of key moments.
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.
November 21, 1966: Troy Aikman Born
On November 21, 1966, Troy Kenneth Aikman was born. He would later become a successful NFL quarterback.
Share
1978: Cowboys' First Super Bowl Appearance Since 1978
In 1992, the Cowboys defeated the San Francisco 49ers to get to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1978.
Share
1983: Won Typing Championship
In 1983, Troy Aikman won the Oklahoma high school state championship in typing, showcasing his diverse talents.
Share
1985: Ankle Injury and National Championship
In 1985, Troy Aikman suffered a broken ankle, which led to him being out for the season. Subsequently, the team switched back to the wishbone offense and went on to win the National Championship.
Share
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.
Share
1988: Davey O'Brien Award
In 1988, Troy Aikman won the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's top quarterback, a first for UCLA. He also threw for 2,771 yards and 24 touchdowns during his senior year.
Share
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.
Share
1989: Cotton Bowl Classic Victory
In 1989, Troy Aikman led UCLA to a 17-3 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Cotton Bowl Classic, played in Dallas.
Share
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.
Share
2001: Appeared in Billy Graham tribute video
In 2001, Aikman participated in a video honoring Billy Graham's 83rd birthday.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
2005: Co-ownership of Hall of Fame Racing
In 2005, Troy Aikman became a co-owner of Hall of Fame Racing, a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team.
Share
2005: Established Hall of Fame Racing
In late 2005, Aikman, together with Roger Staubach, established a NASCAR team known as Hall of Fame Racing.
Share
2006: Hall of Fame Racing in NASCAR Nextel Cup Series
In 2006, Hall of Fame Racing participated in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series with drivers Terry Labonte and Tony Raines.
Share
2007: Raines drove for Hall of Fame Racing full-time
In 2007, Tony Raines drove for Hall of Fame Racing full-time.
Share
2008: Hall of Fame Racing drivers Yeley and Coleman
In 2008, J.J. Yeley and Brad Coleman drove for Hall of Fame Racing.
Share
2008: Election to College Football Hall of Fame
In 2008, Troy Aikman was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his achievements in college football.
Share
February 7, 2009: Honored for induction into the College Hall of Fame
On February 7, 2009, Aikman's induction into the College Hall of Fame was honored at a halftime ceremony during a UCLA-Notre Dame basketball game.
Share
2009: End of Hall of Fame Racing Co-ownership
In 2009, Troy Aikman ended his co-ownership of Hall of Fame Racing.
Share
2009: Hall of Fame Racing team closed
The Hall of Fame Racing team, co-owned by Aikman, closed after the 2009 season.
Share
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.
Share
2011: Joined Oxford Preparatory Academy Charter School Advisory Board
In 2011, Aikman joined the Oxford Preparatory Academy Charter School Advisory Board in Southern California.
Share
2011: Participated in another Billy Graham tribute video
In 2011, Aikman participated in another video honoring Billy Graham's 93rd birthday.
Share
November 28, 2014: UCLA Retired his #8 Jersey
On November 28, 2014, UCLA retired Troy Aikman's #8 jersey at halftime against Stanford, an honor recognizing his contributions to the university's football program.
Share
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.
Share
2022: Launched light beer brand Eight
In 2022, Aikman launched a light beer brand called Eight.
Share