I know it's hot. . In closing, I'd like to share something that a close friend used to tell me back when I was playing. Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman said Wednesday "it doesn't make sense" to compare Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes to him because of the different eras. The second person is my long time business advisor, Mark Grigg. He was recovering from shoulder surgery. In Dallas, my role as the quarterback was to move our team down the field and score points. Since that time I've not met a finer, more trustworthy person. Troy Aikman: 11-4; Danny White: 5-5; Craig Morton: 3-2; Tony Romo: 2-4; Dak Prescott: 2-3; . Jimmy always played to win. Irsay replaced Reich with former Colts center Jeff Saturday on an interim basis. The many friendships in my life are what made me feel every single day like I'm the luckiest guy in the world, and I thank all of you for being here today. Troy Aikman: I really felt was Troy's drive, along with coach Jimmy Johnson's leadership, that had accounted for that worst to first you just saw on the screen. Prior to joining the Cowboys, Aikman passed for 5,298 yards and 41 touchdowns in two years at UCLA. Finally, after the 2000 season, the Cowboys' six-time Pro Bowl selection announced his retirement from football. I know a lot of you have come to watch other inductees and have reason to leave, but you stuck it out, and I appreciate that very much. I don't anticipate missing many Hall of Fame weekends. You know what I'm talking about. If that's true, I'm in great standing today. Was one of the best offensive minds and greatest people that this game has ever known. As the young quarterback improved, however, so too did the Cowboys' record. I enjoyed the best seat in the house as I watched Emmitt Smith run his way to the NFL's all time rushing record. [Tied for 1st] Most Touchdowns Passing, Game - 4 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo) Jason Garrett, my confidant and greatest ally on the field and quarterback meetings for the majority of my career. "If we completed that ball on third and four, we would have won the game." Today Troy is being honored as one of the greatest players ever. [1st] Most Passing Attempts, No Interceptions, Game - 34 (at San Francisco, Jan. 17, 1993) Thank you very much. I really felt was Troy's drive, along with coach Jimmy Johnson's leadership, that had accounted for that worst to first you just saw on the screen. Mario Orasco, Rod Davis, Manny DeSalvo taught me the fundamentals of the game and what it meant to be a good sport. As a quarterback, the player who more than any other is ultimately judged on his ability to win, I couldn't have asked for anything more from an owner. An All-America at UCLA, Aikman joined the Dallas Cowboys as the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft. John Madden coached the game the same way. Jason Garrett, my confidant and greatest ally on the field and quarterback meetings for the majority of my career. It was a privilege to play for Jerry and the rest of the Jones family, and I appreciate the opportunity they gave me and their commitment to making the Cowboys a championship organization. All-NFC Second Team: 1994 (UPI) 1995 (UPI), (6) - 1992, 1993, 1994*, 1995, 1996*, 1997*, At time of his retirement following 2000 season Outstanding quarterback for the Bruins in 1987-88 posting a 20-4 two-year record as a starter including victories in the Aloha and Cotton Bowls. Irvin, Novacek, and Harper, each had more than 100 yards receiving. Stubhub"/StubHub Ticket Market Place. He's the big brother I never had. Troy is one of the most unselfish players to have played. [1st] Most Seasons, 3,000 or More Passing Yards - 5 (1992-93, 1995-97) "Why did they throw the ball in that situation? I started playing football at the age of seven and retired when I was 34. Jimmy was the right coach at the right time for the Dallas Cowboys, and I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to play for him. Michael Irvin, whose work ethic was second to none, was one of the most special teammates I've ever had the opportunity to play with. Norv came to Dallas as an offensive coordinator in 1991, my third season, and turned around one of the worst offenses in the National Football League, and gave guidance to a young quarterback who was in desperate need of some direction. [1st] Most Consecutive Games, Touchdown Pass - 5 (1992-1993, 1994-1995) But I feel more privileged to have been his close friend throughout the years. Troy Aikman was critical Monday night of the Indianapolis Colts' offense. [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Career - 61.5 They all made significant contributions to their teams, and that's why they're here. "If we completed that ball on third and four, we would have won the game." "Why did they throw the ball in that situation? Troy Aikman: Over the next three seasons, the Cowboys enjoyed three consecutive 12-4 records and victories in Super Bowls XXVIII and XXX. The many friendships in my life are what made me feel every single day like I'm the luckiest guy in the world, and I thank all of you for being here today. Terri and Tami were pretty good athletes themselves. And I thank him for having the biggest single influence on my career. He was standing in a meeting room. Jason Garrett, my confidant and greatest ally on the field and quarterback meetings for the majority of my career. I enjoyed the best seat in the house as I watched Emmitt Smith run his way to the NFL's all time rushing record. You also have those "why's." [1st] Most Passing Attempts, No Interceptions, Game - 57 (vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) Yet there's no doubt in my mind that if Norv Turner had not entered my life, I wouldn't be joining these men in the Pro Football Hall of Fame today. It's a great honor and thrill to present to the Hall of Fame, Dallas quarterback, No. I know a lot of you have come to watch other inductees and have reason to leave, but you stuck it out, and I appreciate that very much. Johnson went 80-64 in nine NFL seasons, including four with the. Super Bowls [1st] Lowest Percentage Passes Intercepted, Season - 1.53 (1993) [1st] Most Passing Yards Gained, Rookie Season - 1,749 (1989) In February 2006, Aikman was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Since that time I've not met a finer, more trustworthy person. You know what I'm talking about. [2nd] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 53 (at Cincinnati, Dec. 14, 1997) But my greatest blessings in life have been my family and friends. Aikman started the game at quarterback. In 1996, he broke Cowboy team records for career pass completions, attempts and passing yards. I'd also like to say that the people in Canton, Ohio, have been absolutely terrific. [Tied for 3rd] Most Consecutive Games, 300 or More Yards Passing - 2 (1994) Mark Tuinei, Nate Newton, Mark Stepnoski, John Gesek, Eric Williams, Larry Allen, and Kevin Gogan. Troy, were you surprised to be inducted into the Hall of Fame your first year on the ballot? Norv Turner (presenter): They all made significant contributions to their teams, and that's why they're here. Mark Tuinei, Nate Newton, Mark Stepnoski, John Gesek, Eric Williams, Larry Allen, and Kevin Gogan. Troy Aikman on The Dan Patrick Show (Full Interview) 2/3/17 Dan Patrick Show 196K views 5 years ago Heroes on the Water with Dale Hansen, Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Dirk. Troy's greater strength as a player was his ability to focus and stay focused in the most unusual circumstances. [3rd] Most Games, Four of More Touchdowns Passes, Career - 3 [2nd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 85.7 (at Atlanta, Dec. 21, 1992) He would often tell me and the team, Things are never as good as you think they are or ever as bad as you think they are. Sound advice that I would have to remind myself of often during my early years in Dallas. It wouldn't have happened without the help of a lot of great coaches. Norv came to Dallas as an offensive coordinator in 1991, my third season, and turned around one of the worst offenses in the National Football League, and gave guidance to a young quarterback who was in desperate need of some direction. I'd also like to say that the people in Canton, Ohio, have been absolutely terrific. During that 10 year era, Troy was the winningest quarterback in the National Football League. Norv was right. I enjoyed the best seat in the house as I watched Emmitt Smith run his way to the NFL's all time rushing record. With Troy, you didn't have those "if's" and "why's." It was a privilege to play for Jerry and the rest of the Jones family, and I appreciate the opportunity they gave me and their commitment to making the Cowboys a championship organization. Troy established many school records including 24 touchdown passes in a season, 228 completions in a season and 32 completions in a game. [1st] Consecutive Passes Completed - 10 (vs. Pittsburgh, Jan. 28, 1996) The following year he completed an NFC-best 65.3 percent of his passes, and the Cowboys improved to 11-5 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. A high school coach once told me, In life you have a lot of acquaintances but very few friends. [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Season - 69.1 (1993) Yet there's no doubt in my mind that if Norv Turner had not entered my life, I wouldn't be joining these men in the Pro Football Hall of Fame today. The site navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. We went to the playoffs that season, and over the next two years won back to back Super Bowls. Some guard against overconfidence. [1st] Most Passing Yards Gained, Career - 32,942 [Tied for 3rd] Most Consecutive Passes Completed - 12 (at Green Bay, Oct. 6, 1991), [1st] Most Passing Attempts, Career - 502 Ernie couldn't be with us today. "I have a real hard time classifying anything as my biggest moment, my favorite color or whatever. My father, Ken, taught me early on that through hard work I could achieve anything I wanted in life. [2nd] Most Passing Yards Gained, Game - 337 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 8, 1995) [Tied for 2nd] Most Consecutive Passes Completed - 8 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo) Michael Irvin, whose work ethic was second to none, was one of the most special teammates I've ever had the opportunity to play with. If you look at Troy's greatest plays, they came in the most critical situations. I played professional football. You taught me about discipline, toughness, and life's most important lesson: To never quit. I, too, am saddened by the absence of Reggie White, an amazing player and even better man who left us far too soon. Thank you for the hospitality and thank you for the courtesy you've shown me and my family. Hall-of-Fame Cowboys passer Troy Aikman calls Bucs signal caller Tom Brady 'the most UNATHLETIC quarterback in the game' ahead of Dallas and Tampa Bay's NFL Wild Card clash [2nd] Most Passing Attempts, No Interceptions, Game - 33 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 14, 1996) My wife, Rhonda, is my best friend. [3rd] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 52 (at N.Y. Giants, Oct. 5, 1997) Jimmy Johnson and I arrived in Dallas the same year, 1989, both fresh from college, both eager to prove ourselves. A renewed commitment to the rushing attack may have attributed to Indy's ability to score more in the second half. So many other coaches are responsible for my development as a player. She inspires me daily in ways that no one ever has before. [Tied for 2nd] Most Times Sacked, Game - 11 (vs. Philadelphia, Sept. 15, 1991), [1st] Highest Completion Percentage, Career - 70.0 Football is a great game that has afforded me many things and provided much happiness. The older I get, the more I understand how much you sacrificed, and your children will forever be indebted to you. I joked to Troy, We've got to get you to get rid of that ball a little quicker. You know, after a game, a lot of times you have those "if's." Full Name: Troy Kenneth Aikman. [2nd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Season - 65.3 (1991) Golf game hasn't gotten any better. Mom, you're an amazing woman. For most, that's probably true, but not for me. 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame All Rights Reserved. He was recovering from shoulder surgery. Mario Orasco, Rod Davis, Manny DeSalvo taught me the fundamentals of the game and what it meant to be a good sport. We had a good system in Dallas. So it is extremely gratifying that after a career of putting team accomplishments in front of personal achievement, today I am receiving the greatest individual honor a football player could ever receive. That's it. All he wants is for each player to give all he has all the time. He had his arm in a sling. [Tied for 1st] Most Passes Intercepted, Game - 5 (at N.Y. Giants, Oct. 15, 2000) During that time we became great friends and won two Super Bowls. Troy was driven to be the best, and he expected the same from everyone around him. He didn't laugh. If that's true, I'm in great standing today. Birthdate: November 21, 1966. Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that these are the jobs we've always dreamed of having. With their high-powered offense and stingy defense, the 13-3 Cowboys swept through the 1992 NFL playoffs, scoring a combined total of 116 points in three games including a 52-17 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Career - 2,898 Rhonda, you're a wonderful mother, an example to our three daughters, Rachel, Jordan, and Alex. When defenses focused on Irvin and/or Smith, Aikman would find tight end Jay Novacek or wide receiver Alvin Harper. All rights reserved. (Those fans will at least get a Darrelle Revis Pro Football Hall of Fame . [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Rookie Season - 52.9 (1989) So many other coaches are responsible for my development as a player. Jersey Number: 8. If that's true, I'm in great standing today. I was able to live a dream. There's not a better example of Leigh's support for his clients than the fact that. I look forward to many return trips to the Canton area in the future years. I must say it's awfully nice, even though if it's just for a weekend, to be around the Cowboy fans and Troy. It was a privilege to play for Jerry and the rest of the Jones family, and I appreciate the opportunity they gave me and their commitment to making the Cowboys a championship organization. The older I get, the more I understand how much you sacrificed, and your children will forever be indebted to you. [1st] Most Consecutive Games, Touchdown Pass - 16 (1993-1994) I feel privileged to present Troy today. My wife, Rhonda, is my best friend. I look forward to many return trips to the Canton area in the future years. Jimmy insisted on it. Ernie Zampese, my offensive coordinator in Dallas for four years, including when we won Super Bowl XXX. [2nd] Most Consecutive Passes Completed - 13 (at Atlanta, Dec. 21, 1992; at Oakland, Nov. 19, 1995; at Arizona, Nov. 15, 1998) That's it. He'd say this when times were tough, maybe we'd lost a close game, I'd thrown the deciding interception or the grind and the rigors of the season were beginning to take their toll on me. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve Its History, Promote Its Values & Celebrate Excellence Everywhere, "I have a real hard time classifying anything as my biggest moment, my favorite color or whatever. [1st] Longest Pass Completion - 94 (to Alvin Harper, vs. Green Bay, Jan. 8, 1995, TD) (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images). As talented as all of these players were, however, they were even better teammates. You know, after a game, a lot of times you have those "if's." [1st] Most Touchdowns Passing, Rookie Season - 9 (1989) Although he showed great promise and threw for a rookie-record 379 yards in a game against the Phoenix Cardinals, the team finished 1-15. I thank him for his support throughout my career. [Tied for 3rd] Most Games, 300 or More Yards Passing, Career - 4 Say yes 7 little words. Watching Norv Turner present him, and Troy Aikman deliver his Pro Football Hall of Fame acceptance speech, was dream-like for a guy who wrote 8 billion words about No. Coach Donahue, thank you for providing me an opportunity at UCLA and having such a positive influence on my life. [3rd] Most Passing Attempts, No Interceptions, Game - 45 (vs. Washington, Nov. 16, 1997) [2nd] Most Pass Completions, Season - 302 (1992) [1st] Lowest Percentage Passes Intercepted, Career - 2.99 Troy Aikman Dallas Cowboys "I have a real hard time classifying anything as my biggest moment, my favorite color or whatever. Troy was driven to be the best, and he expected the same from everyone around him. I look forward to future years when he'll be joined by his great coach Jimmy Johnson, his teammates Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith, Larry Allen and hopefully others. I didn't seek it, and yet I'm here. [2nd] Most Touchdowns Passing, Career - 23 [2nd] Most Pass Completions, Game - 30 (at San Francisco, Jan. 15, 1995) Market data provided by Factset. [1st] Most Seasons, 3,000 or More Passing Yards - 5 (1992-93, 1995-97) But it was really a very easy question for me to answer. video. [2nd] Most Pass Completions, Season - 302 (1992) My mother, Charlynn sacrificed so much for myself and my two sisters, shuttling us to practices, attending our games, fixing meals, keeping our uniforms clean, and basically always being there for us whenever we needed her, regardless of whatever else might have been occupying her time at the moment. I'm so grateful to the NFL, to the Cowboys, to my teammates, and to my coaches, for helping me get here. [1st] Most Passing Yards Gained, Rookie Season - 1,749 (1989) Anyway, Bill Holt in Henrietta taught me about the sacrifices that must be made to excel. As I look at the men on this stage behind me, I think about the many great moments that they helped produce. Website design & development by americaneagle.com copyright 2021 Pro Football hall of fame all rights reserved, Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic, At time of his retirement following 2000 season. If that's true, I'm in great standing today. I think Reggie got in on that one also. My wife, Rhonda, is my best friend. 8, Troy Aikman. Some guard against overconfidence. I always took great pride in being a part of the triplets with Michael and Emmitt. Some coaches play not to lose. I've known Mark since I was 22 years old. Ernie, I say thank you for everything. As I look at the men on this stage behind me, I think about the many great moments that they helped produce. Alvin ran down the field inside the ten, and took Troy, himself, and the rest of the Cowboys right to the Super Bowl. Troy's greater strength as a player was his ability to focus and stay focused in the most unusual circumstances. Troy Kenneth Aikman (born November 21, 1966) is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. [1st] Most Touchdowns Passing, Career - 165 It was through those disappointments, however, that led to me transfer into UCLA. Golf game hasn't gotten any better. Another one of Troy's real strengths was his ability to bring out the best in everyone around him. Following high school, I attended Oklahoma University and was coached by one of the winningest coaches in college football history, Barry Switzer. The many friendships in my life are what made me feel every single day like I'm the luckiest guy in the world, and I thank all of you for being here today. I was always proud to have him as well as Jeff Moorehead represent me during contract negotiations. Mom, you're an amazing woman. Mark, thank you for the commitment and support over the last 17 years. As the young quarterback improved, however, so too did the Cowboys' record. [1st] Highest Passing Attempts/Sack Ratio, Career - 19.2 Aikman's 22 of 30 for 273 yards passing and four touchdowns earned him Super Bowl MVP honors. And I thank him for having the biggest single influence on my career. [2nd] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 49 (vs. Arizona, Jan. 2, 1999) [1st] Lowest Percentage Passes Intercepted, Season - 1.53 (1993) He also rushed three times for 28 yards and recovered his own fumble. In 1988, while earning consensus All-American honors, Aikman won the Davey OBrien award as the nations top quarterback and placed third in the Heisman Trophy balloting. [1st] Most Consecutive Passes Attempted, None Intercepted - 111 (1991-93) [1st] Most Consecutive Passes Attempted, None Intercepted - 216 (1999) The first is Leigh Steinberg. Some coaches play not to lose. What fans saw on Sundays, his teammates saw every day of the week.