Troy Aikman

American college football quarterback who played for Oklahoma and UCLA, winning Pac-10 Player of the Year and becoming first overall NFL draft pick in 1989

Born in West Covina, California, on November 21, 1966, Troy Kenneth Aikman grew up in a middle-class family before moving to Oklahoma as a teenager. His athletic prowess emerged early, excelling in both football and baseball during high school in Henryetta, Oklahoma, where he was recruited as a quarterback despite also showing promise as a potential professional baseball prospect. Aikman's college career began at the University of Oklahoma in 1984 under coach Barry Switzer, but the Sooners' option-heavy offense proved ill-suited to his passing skills. After suffering a broken ankle in 1985, he transferred to UCLA, where coach Terry Donahue's pro-style system allowed his talents to flourish. During his two seasons with the Bruins (1987-1988), Aikman completed 64.8 percent of his passes for 5,298 yards and 41 touchdowns, demonstrating the accuracy and pocket presence that would define his career. His senior season culminated in Pac-10 Player of the Year honors, Heisman Trophy finalist status, and leading UCLA to victory in the 1989 Cotton Bowl. The Dallas Cowboys selected Aikman first overall in the 1989 NFL Draft, launching a Hall of Fame professional career that spanned 12 seasons. He quarterbacked Dallas to three Super Bowl championships in four years (1992, 1993, 1995 seasons), earning Super Bowl XXVII MVP honors. Aikman was selected to six Pro Bowls and threw for 32,942 career yards with 165 touchdowns. His precision passing and leadership anchored one of the NFL's most dominant dynasties of the 1990s. Aikman's legacy extends beyond his championship success to his role in popularizing the modern pocket passer archetype. His college journey from Oklahoma's option attack to UCLA's passing offense exemplified the importance of system fit in developing quarterback talent. Inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame (2008) and Pro Football Hall of Fame (2006), Aikman transitioned to broadcasting after retirement, becoming one of television's premier NFL analysts and maintaining his connection to the sport that defined his career.

Accurate passer with strong arm and excellent pocket presence

College football standout who transitioned from Oklahoma to UCLA and became one of the top quarterbacks in college football history

• Pac-10 Player of Year
• All-American
• Rose Bowl
• Heisman finalist 1988
• First overall pick 1989