Early Life and Education of Troy Aikman: A Complete Timeline

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.

Sections (5)

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

November 21, 1966: Troy Aikman Born

On November 21, 1966, Troy Kenneth Aikman was born. He would later become a successful NFL quarterback.

Others born on this day/year

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.

1983: Won Typing Championship

In 1983, Troy Aikman won the Oklahoma high school state championship in typing, showcasing his diverse talents.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2001: Appeared in Billy Graham tribute video

In 2001, Aikman participated in a video honoring Billy Graham's 83rd birthday.

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.

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.

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.

2005: Established Hall of Fame Racing

In late 2005, Aikman, together with Roger Staubach, established a NASCAR team known as Hall of Fame Racing.

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.

2007: Raines drove for Hall of Fame Racing full-time

In 2007, Tony Raines drove for Hall of Fame Racing full-time.

2008: Hall of Fame Racing drivers Yeley and Coleman

In 2008, J.J. Yeley and Brad Coleman drove for Hall of Fame Racing.

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.

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.

2009: End of Hall of Fame Racing Co-ownership

In 2009, Troy Aikman ended his co-ownership of Hall of Fame Racing.

2009: Hall of Fame Racing team closed

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

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.

2011: Joined Oxford Preparatory Academy Charter School Advisory Board

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

2011: Participated in another Billy Graham tribute video

In 2011, Aikman participated in another video honoring Billy Graham's 93rd birthday.

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.

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.