History of Troy Aikman in Timeline
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).
November 21, 1966: Troy Aikman Born
On November 21, 1966, Troy Kenneth Aikman was born. He would grow up to become a professional football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.
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.
1983: Oklahoma High School Typing Champion
In 1983, Troy Aikman won the Oklahoma high school state championship in typing.
1985: Led Sooners to Wins Before Injury
In 1985, Troy Aikman led the Oklahoma Sooners to wins over Minnesota, Kansas State, and No. 17 Texas before suffering a broken ankle in the game against the Miami Hurricanes.
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: Cowboys Miss Playoffs Due to Injury
In 1990, despite a 7–7 record, Troy Aikman was injured in the 15th game, leading to losses and the Cowboys missing the playoffs.
1990: Missed Playoffs
In 1997, The Cowboys missed the playoffs for the first time since 1990.
1991: Injury and Pro Bowl Selection
In 1991, Troy Aikman was injured during a game against the Washington Redskins, leading to Steve Beuerlein taking over. Aikman was selected to his first Pro Bowl that year.
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.
1993: Super Bowl XXVIII Victory
In 1993, Troy Aikman led the Cowboys to another Super Bowl victory (Super Bowl XXVIII) against the Buffalo Bills despite suffering a concussion in the NFC Championship game.
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.
April 8, 2000: Aikman marries Rhonda Worthey
On April 8, 2000, Troy Aikman married Rhonda Worthey in Plano, Texas.
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.
2000: Final Season and Tenth Concussion
In 2000, Troy Aikman's final season, he suffered several concussions, including his tenth and final one in a game against the Washington Redskins.
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 appears in The Simpsons and Billy Graham video
In 2001, Troy Aikman appeared in The Simpsons episode "Sunday, Cruddy Sunday" and participated in a video honoring Billy Graham's 83rd birthday.
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.
September 19, 2005: Aikman inducted into Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
On September 19, 2005, Troy Aikman was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor at halftime of the Dallas Cowboys-Washington Redskins game along with Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith.
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.
August 5, 2006: Aikman inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame
On August 5, 2006, Troy Aikman was one of six players inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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.
2006: Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame
In 2006, Troy Aikman was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the greats.
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.
2008: Election to College Football Hall of Fame
In 2008, Troy Aikman was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his accomplishments in college football.
February 7, 2009: Aikman's College Hall of Fame induction honored
On February 7, 2009, Troy Aikman's induction into the College Hall of Fame was honored at a halftime ceremony during the UCLA-Notre Dame basketball game.
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.
February 9, 2010: Aikman joins National Football Foundation Board of Directors
On February 9, 2010, Troy Aikman became a member of the National Football Foundation Board of Directors.
2010: Aikman becomes Rent-a-Center co-spokesman
In 2010, Troy Aikman became a co-spokesman for Rent-a-Center, along with Hulk Hogan.
January 24, 2011: Aikman and Worthey announce separation
On January 24, 2011, Troy Aikman and Rhonda Worthey announced their separation.
April 12, 2011: Aikman and Worthey's divorce finalized
On April 12, 2011, Troy Aikman's divorce from Rhonda Worthey was finalized.
2011: Aikman participates in Billy Graham's birthday video
In 2011, Troy Aikman participated in a video honoring Billy Graham's 93rd birthday.
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.
November 2013: Aikman named NCAA Silver Anniversary Award recipient
In November 2013, Troy Aikman was named a 2014 recipient of the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award.
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.
November 28, 2014: UCLA Jersey Retirement
On November 28, 2014, UCLA retired Troy Aikman's #8 jersey during halftime against Stanford, honoring his contributions to the program.
2014: Aikman receives NCAA Silver Anniversary Award
Troy Aikman was named a 2014 recipient of the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award, given annually to former college athletes 25 years after the end of their college athletics careers.
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.
June 2, 2017: Aikman announces engagement to Catherine "Capa" Mooty
On June 2, 2017, Troy Aikman announced his engagement to Catherine "Capa" Mooty on Instagram.
September 1, 2017: Aikman marries Catherine Mooty
On September 1, 2017, Troy Aikman and Catherine Mooty married at the Biltmore Four Seasons in Montecito, California.
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.
2021: End of NFL on Fox Commentary
In 2021, Troy Aikman's tenure as color commentator for NFL on Fox came to an end.
2022: Color Commentator for Monday Night Football
In 2022, Troy Aikman began serving as the color commentator for Monday Night Football.
2022: Aikman launches light beer and owns Troy's at Texas Live
In 2022, Troy Aikman launched a light beer brand called Eight and owns a restaurant called Troy's at Texas Live.
July 2023: Aikman and Mooty divorce
It was revealed in July 2023 that Troy Aikman and Catherine Mooty were officially divorced.
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