"Troy Aikman is a former NFL quarterback who achieved significant success throughout his career. Playing 12 seasons for the Dallas Cowboys, he secured three Super Bowl victories and was named MVP of Super Bowl XXVII. His exceptional skills earned him six Pro Bowl selections and inductions into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. Prior to his NFL career, Aikman excelled at UCLA, winning the Davey O'Brien Award."
November 21, 1966: Birth of Troy Aikman
Troy Aikman was born on November 21, 1966.
1978: First Super Bowl Appearance Since 1978
The Cowboys' victory in the 1992 NFC Championship game marked their first Super Bowl appearance since 1978.
1983: Oklahoma High School State Championship in Typing
In 1983, Troy Aikman won the Oklahoma high school state championship in typing.
1985: Ankle Broken by Jerome Brown, Leading to Transfer to UCLA
On October 19, 1985, Miami's Jerome Brown sacked Troy Aikman, breaking his ankle and sidelining him for the rest of the season. With Holieway as starting quarterback, Aikman transferred to UCLA.
1987: Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year
As a junior in 1987, Aikman was named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year and led the Bruins to victory in the Aloha Bowl against the Florida Gators.
1988: Won the Davey O'Brien Award
In 1988, Troy Aikman won the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's top quarterback, a first for UCLA.
February 25, 1989: Jerry Jones Fired Tom Landry
On February 25, 1989, new Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones fired Tom Landry and replaced him with Jimmy Johnson.
August 26, 1989: First NFL Preseason Game
Troy Aikman played his first NFL preseason game on August 26, 1989, against the Denver Broncos.
1989: Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys
In 1989, Troy Aikman was selected first overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL draft.
1989: Led Bruins to Victory in the Cotton Bowl Classic
The 1988 season culminated with a 17-3 Bruins victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks in the 1989 Cotton Bowl Classic, which was played in Dallas.
1990: Steve Walsh Traded
Aikman won the starting quarterback job over Steve Walsh, who was traded early in the 1990 season.
1990: Led Cowboys to a 7-7 Record
Along with Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin, Troy Aikman led the Cowboys to a 7-7 record in the 1990 season but was injured in the 15th game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
1991: Selected to First Pro Bowl
In 1991, Aikman was selected to his first Pro Bowl after leading the Cowboys to a 6-4 record in the first 10 games before being sidelined by injury.
1992: Led Cowboys to Victory in Super Bowl XXVII
In 1992, Troy Aikman led the Cowboys to a victory against the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII and was named Super Bowl MVP.
1993: Led Cowboys to Victory in Super Bowl XXVIII
In 1993, Troy Aikman led the Cowboys to victory against the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVIII.
March 29, 1994: Jimmy Johnson Leaves Cowboys, Barry Switzer Hired
On March 29, 1994, a significant coaching change occurred for the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Jimmy Johnson departed from the team, and Jerry Jones, the team's owner, brought in Barry Switzer, who had previously coached Aikman at the University of Oklahoma.
1995: Cowboys Secure NFC Title and Win Super Bowl XXX
In 1995, the Dallas Cowboys achieved a remarkable feat by securing the top spot in the NFC and ultimately winning Super Bowl XXX. Despite Aikman being sidelined for a crucial game against the San Francisco 49ers due to an injury, the Cowboys persevered. They triumphed over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game and went on to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl, with Aikman throwing a touchdown pass during the game.
1996: Cowboys Clinch NFC East Title but Fall in Playoffs
The Dallas Cowboys showcased their dominance in 1996 by securing the NFC East Division title once again. They showcased their strength in the Wild Card playoff round with a decisive victory against the Minnesota Vikings. However, their journey came to an end in the Divisional Playoffs when they faced a setback against the Carolina Panthers.
1997: Aikman's Record-Breaking Season, Cowboys Miss Playoffs
Troy Aikman etched his name in the Dallas Cowboys' history books in 1997 by becoming the first quarterback in the team's history to achieve three consecutive seasons with over 3,000 passing yards. However, the Cowboys experienced a challenging season, finishing with a 6-10 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 1990. This marked the first losing season in Barry Switzer's coaching career, which led to his resignation at the end of the season.
1998: Cowboys Return to Playoffs, Upset by Cardinals
In 1998, Troy Aikman and the Dallas Cowboys bounced back from a challenging previous season, securing the NFC East title and earning a playoff berth. Despite Aikman missing a few games, his leadership was instrumental in their success. However, their playoff run was cut short when they faced an unexpected upset at home against the Arizona Cardinals in the Wild Card game.
1999: Aikman's Career-High Performance and Final Playoff Appearance
The 1999 season witnessed a remarkable performance by Troy Aikman. He set a career-high record with five touchdown passes in a single game against the Washington Redskins, including the game-winning throw in overtime. This season also marked Aikman's final playoff appearance and the last time the iconic trio of Aikman, Irvin, and Emmitt Smith shared the field together. The Cowboys concluded the season with an 8-8 record, facing defeat against the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card playoff game.
April 8, 2000: Marriage to Rhonda Worthey
Troy Aikman married Rhonda Worthey, a former Cowboys publicist, on April 8, 2000 in Plano, Texas.
2000: Aikman's Final Season Marred by Concussions
The 2000 NFL season marked the final chapter in Troy Aikman's illustrious career. Unfortunately, it was a season plagued by concussion issues. Aikman suffered multiple concussions throughout the season, leading to a constant rotation at the quarterback position between him and former Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham. In his last game, a home matchup against the Washington Redskins, Aikman was hit by linebacker LaVar Arrington, resulting in the tenth and final concussion of his career.
2001: Aikman Transitions to Broadcasting with Fox
Following his retirement from playing professional football, Troy Aikman embarked on a new chapter in his career by joining Fox as a color commentator for their NFC telecasts in 2001.
2001: Aikman Retires from the NFL
In a move that surprised many, the Dallas Cowboys released Troy Aikman in 2001, just one day before he was set to receive a substantial contract extension worth $70 million over seven years. Despite efforts to find a new team, Aikman couldn't secure a suitable opportunity and ultimately made the difficult decision to retire on April 9, 2001. He concluded his remarkable career holding the record for the most passing yards in Cowboys' history (32,942 yards). Aikman's legacy as one of the game's great quarterbacks was solidified during the 1990s, where he achieved 90 out of his 94 career wins.
2002: Aikman Joins Fox's Lead Announcing Team
In 2002, just a year after joining Fox as a commentator, Troy Aikman's talent and insights were quickly recognized, leading to his promotion to the network's lead announcing team.
2003: Aikman's Brief Return to Training with Dolphins
In 2003, Troy Aikman decided to give football another shot and agreed to play for the Miami Dolphins, who had hired his former offensive coordinator, Norv Turner. He even began training to prepare for a comeback. However, the Dolphins decided against offering him a contract, putting an end to his brief return.
2004: Aikman's Emmy Nomination and Near-Comeback with Dolphins
Troy Aikman's exceptional work as a broadcaster earned him an Emmy Award nomination in 2004. Interestingly, the same year, it was revealed that he nearly came out of retirement to sign a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. However, the Dolphins ultimately decided against signing him, keeping his retirement intact.
September 19, 2005: Aikman Inducted into Cowboys Ring of Honor
In a special halftime ceremony during a Dallas Cowboys game against the Washington Redskins on September 19, 2005, Troy Aikman, along with his esteemed teammates Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith, received the prestigious honor of being inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor. This recognition solidified their legendary status in the franchise's history.
2005: Established Hall of Fame Racing
In late 2005, Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach started a NASCAR team called Hall of Fame Racing.
August 5, 2006: Aikman Enshrined in Pro Football Hall of Fame
On August 5, 2006, Troy Aikman's remarkable contributions to the sport of football were celebrated when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame alongside five other players. This momentous occasion cemented his place among the all-time greats of the game.
2006: Hall of Fame Racing debut in NASCAR Nextel Cup Series
In 2006, Aikman and Staubach's Hall of Fame Racing team, fielding the No. 96 car, debuted in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, with drivers Terry Labonte and Tony Raines sharing the wheel.
2006: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Troy Aikman was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
2007: Tony Raines Full-Time Driver for Hall of Fame Racing
Tony Raines drove full-time for Hall of Fame Racing in 2007.
2008: J.J. Yeley and Brad Coleman join Hall of Fame Racing
J.J. Yeley and Brad Coleman drove for Hall of Fame Racing in 2008.
2008: Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame
Troy Aikman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
February 7, 2009: Aikman's College Hall of Fame Induction and Degree Completion
During halftime of a UCLA-Notre Dame basketball game on February 7, 2009, Troy Aikman's induction into the College Hall of Fame was honored, recognizing his outstanding college football career. In a heartwarming turn of events, Aikman also announced that he had completed the necessary coursework to earn his degree in sociology from UCLA. He participated in the university's Sociology Department commencement ceremony that year alongside former UCLA quarterback John Sciarra, who delivered the keynote address.
2009: Closure of Hall of Fame Racing
Aikman and Staubach's Hall of Fame Racing team closed down after the 2009 season.
February 9, 2010: Aikman Joins National Football Foundation Board of Directors
In February 2010, Troy Aikman's influence in the football world expanded as he was appointed to the National Football Foundation Board of Directors. This prestigious role allowed him to contribute to the development and promotion of amateur football across the country.
January 24, 2011: Separation from Rhonda Worthey
On January 24, 2011, Troy Aikman and Rhonda Worthey announced their separation.
April 12, 2011: Divorce from Rhonda Worthey
Troy Aikman and Rhonda Worthey officially divorced on April 12, 2011.
November 2013: NCAA Silver Anniversary Award Recipient
In November 2013, Troy Aikman was named as one of the recipients of the 2014 NCAA Silver Anniversary Award, which is given to six former college athletes 25 years after their college athletics careers end.
December 2013: Aikman Reveals Back Issues Led to Retirement
In a candid radio interview in December 2013, Troy Aikman revealed that the primary reason behind his retirement was not the concussions he sustained but rather persistent back problems that plagued him during his final season in 2000. He shared that while he underwent back surgery after Super Bowl XXVII without complications, the pain returned in his final season, requiring constant treatment.
March 2014: Partner and Spokesman for IDLife
In March 2014, Troy Aikman became a partner and spokesman for IDLife.
November 28, 2014: UCLA Retired His #8 Jersey
On November 28, 2014, UCLA retired Troy Aikman's #8 jersey at halftime against Stanford.
2014: NCAA Silver Anniversary Award Recipient
In 2014, Troy Aikman received the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award, which is given to six former college athletes 25 years after their college athletics careers end.
2016: Aikman's Super Bowl Broadcasting Experience
By 2016, Troy Aikman had become a familiar voice in Super Bowl broadcasts, having lent his commentary to six Super Bowls: XXXIX, XLII, XLV, XLVIII, LI, and LIV.
June 2, 2017: Engagement to Catherine "Capa" Mooty
Troy Aikman announced his engagement to fashion retailer Catherine "Capa" Mooty on June 2, 2017, via Instagram.
September 1, 2017: Marriage to Catherine "Capa" Mooty
On September 1, 2017, Troy Aikman married Catherine "Capa" Mooty at the Biltmore Four Seasons in Montecito, California.
January 2020: Aikman Almost Joined Chargers, Declined Eagles Offer
In a January 2020 interview, Troy Aikman disclosed that he came close to joining the San Diego Chargers after his release from the Cowboys in 2001. He was interested in playing for Norv Turner, his former offensive coordinator in Dallas. However, the Chargers ultimately signed Doug Flutie, leading Aikman to choose retirement. Aikman also revealed that Andy Reid, the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, approached him with a starting position offer in 2002 when their quarterback Donovan McNabb suffered a broken ankle. However, Aikman declined the offer.
2020: Hot Mic Incident Regarding Military Flyover
Before an NFL broadcast in 2020, Troy Aikman and Joe Buck were heard on a hot mic questioning a military flyover, leading to accusations of being unpatriotic. An Armed Forces spokesperson clarified that there's no additional cost for such flyovers.
March 16, 2022: Joining ESPN as Monday Night Football Commentators
On March 16, 2022, ESPN announced that Troy Aikman and Joe Buck would be the new lead commentators for Monday Night Football, concluding their 20 seasons with Fox.
2022: Launched Eight Light Beer Brand
In 2022, Troy Aikman launched his own light beer brand called Eight.
July 2023: Divorce from Catherine "Capa" Mooty
In July 2023, it was revealed that Troy Aikman and Catherine "Capa" Mooty had officially divorced.