Troy is one of the most unselfish players to have played. 8's first eight. He knew the things he had to do to give his team the best chance to win. 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame All Rights Reserved. His career statistics include 32,942 yards and 165 touchdowns for a passer rating of 81.6. Reggie, Warren, Harry, Rayfield, and John represented the game with class, just as Lesley Visser, the first female recipient of the Pete Rozelle Award, brought respect and professionalism to the field of journalism for her work in print and broadcasting. I was always proud to have him as well as Jeff Moorehead represent me during contract negotiations. His impact on me was significant. [2nd] Most Passing Attempts, No Interceptions, Game - 33 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 14, 1996) Troy has also been selected to six Pro Bowl teams while throwing for over 28,000 yards and 141 touchdowns. [Tied for 2nd] Most Completions, Game - 33 (at Miami, Oct. 27, 1996) [3rd] Highest Passer Rating, Career - 81.62 If that's true, I'm in great standing today. 8, Troy Aikman. He had been slammed to the turf at the Vet by Clyde Simmons. I'm also very grateful to my family. I know it's been a long day. [Tied for 1st] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 53 (at San Francisco, Jan. 15, 1995) If you look at Troy's greatest plays, they came in the most critical situations. I'd also like to thank the many friends, family and fans who have traveled great distances to share this moment with me today. 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. I was also lucky to grow up with two terrific sisters, at least most of the time (smiling). [1st] Most Passing Yards Gained, Game, Rookie Season - 379 (at Phoenix, Nov. 12, 1989) As I moved on to junior high and high school ball in Henrietta, Oklahoma, with the Henrietta Hens that's right, our mascot was the Hens, Fighting Hens as if maybe that instilled a little bit of doubt in our opponents' minds. Since that time I've not met a finer, more trustworthy person. [1st] Most Passing Attempts, No Interceptions, Game - 34 (at San Francisco, Jan. 17, 1993) For as long as I can remember, all I ever wanted was to play pro sports. Troy is one of the most unselfish players to have played. [2nd] Most Touchdowns Passing, Career - 23 [1st] Lowest Percentage Passes Intercepted, Rookie Season - 6.14 (1989) Football is a great game that has afforded me many things and provided much happiness. Over the last three days we've been here, the hospitality that they've shown myself and family has been nothing short of spectacular. This was a proud day for Cowboys fans as Aikman had been a part of the team that restored glory to the franchise. 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. 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. [1st] Most Passing Yards Gained, Rookie Season - 1,749 (1989) In addition to great coaching and ownership, I had the pleasure with playing with a very gifted and special group of players. I was able to live a dream. [2nd] Most Yards Gained, Game - 455 (vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) You taught me about discipline, toughness, and life's most important lesson: To never quit. 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. For most, that's probably true, but not for me. 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've known Mark since I was 22 years old. But my greatest blessings in life have been my family and friends. If you look at Troy's greatest plays, they came in the most critical situations. [Tied for 2nd] Most Times Sacked, Game - 11 (vs. Philadelphia, Sept. 15, 1991), [1st] Highest Completion Percentage, Career - 70.0 Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items. I remember it like it was yesterday, the first time I met Troy Aikman. I remember it like it was yesterday, the first time I met Troy Aikman. There were no "if's." Some coaches play not to lose. [3rd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Season - 64.8 (1995) Birthplace: West Covina, California. We could have given it to Emmitt?". PACKERS' AARON RODGERS ON UPCOMING GAME AGAINST BEARS: I PLAN ON PLAYING THIS WEEK. I'm also honored to have Norv Turner here today as my presenter. I wouldn't be here without you. 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. Troy's teammates would tell you he was a leader of those great Dallas teams of the '90s. Troy Aikman is not a Hall of Fame quarterback. She inspires me daily in ways that no one ever has before. Click to go to the page with all the answers to 7 little words January 17 2023. [Tied for 3rd] Most Touchdown Passes, Game - 4 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo), Cowboys' records held by Aikman at the time of his retirement following the 2000 season, [1st] Most Seasons Leading Team, Passing - 12 (1989-00) Birthdate: November 21, 1966. We had a good system in Dallas. He also rushed three times for 28 yards and recovered his own fumble. Another one of Troy's real strengths was his ability to bring out the best in everyone around him. Uniform Number: 8. We could have given it to Emmitt?". When I look back at my football career and the championship seasons, I think of all my teammates from Henrietta to UCLA to Dallas that shared in all those moments. Finally, after the 2000 season, the Cowboys' six-time Pro Bowl selection announced his retirement from football. Mario Orasco, Rod Davis, Manny DeSalvo taught me the fundamentals of the game and what it meant to be a good sport. What Norv Turner would say was this: Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that these are the jobs we've always dreamed of having. It's no wonder we enjoyed so much success in the '90s considering all the talent we had. I would have loved to have had any one of them on my team. It was a thrill for me to coach him three years in Dallas. Few have had the great release, the unbelievable arm strength, and incredible accuracy of Troy Aikman. Jason Garrett, my confidant and greatest ally on the field and quarterback meetings for the majority of my career. For most, that's probably true, but not for me. I was always proud to have him as well as Jeff Moorehead represent me during contract negotiations. All he wants is for each player to give all he has all the time. Jimmy always played to win. There were so many other special players that I had a chance to play with, guys such as Jay Novacek, the irreplaceable and unsung hero of our franchise, Daryl "Moose" Johnston, the blue collar guy who I'm not ashamed to say was better at his job than any other player on the team was theirs, including myself. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Game - 34 (at N.Y. Giants, Oct. 5, 1997; vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) Super Bowl XXVII MVP, Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame: February 4, 2006, Enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame: August 5,2006 Thank you. [3rd] Most Pass Completions, Game - 28 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 16, 1994) It wouldn't have happened without the help of a lot of great coaches. Norv was my coach for three years. During his NFL career, he has led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl Championships and was named MVP of Super Bowl XXVII. It was through those disappointments, however, that led to me transfer into UCLA. Following high school, I attended Oklahoma University and was coached by one of the winningest coaches in college football history, Barry Switzer. It was very difficult coaching against Troy and the Cowboys the next seven years. In an era of super egos, he never let his get in the way of winning. Dell Hellestrae, not only was he the best long snapper in the league, but he also proved to be a great listener to my many frustrations on a many a Saturday night. I look forward to many return trips to the Canton area in the future years. [3rd] Highest Completion Percentage, Career - 63.8 [Tied for 3rd] Most Consecutive Games, 300 or More Yards Passing - 2 (1994) 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. I joked to Troy, We've got to get you to get rid of that ball a little quicker. Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. During that 10 year era, Troy was the winningest quarterback in the National Football League. It's a great honor and thrill to present to the Hall of Fame, Dallas quarterback, No. I thank both of you for all the support and love you've shown me through the years. I remember after the workout calling my good friend and coach Ernie Zampese. [Tied for 2nd] Most Consecutive Passes Completed - 8 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo) Then of course there was Jimmy. He was recovering from shoulder surgery. I'd like to first of all say that I'm very pleased to see all the people who have stuck around here today. Warren Moon, Reggie White, Harry Carson and Rayfield Wright played the game the way it should be played. Today Troy is being honored as one of the greatest players ever. Aikman started the game at quarterback. There are two other people that deserve mention. I'd also like to say that the people in Canton, Ohio, have been absolutely terrific. [3rd] Most Passing Attempts, Season - 473 (1992) AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy &. But it was really a very easy question for me to answer. Since that time I've not met a finer, more trustworthy person. It's said you're judged by the company you keep. Many of his numbers even fall short of Hall of Fame quarterbacks who played in less pass happy eras (pre-1980's). There's not a better example of Leigh's support for his clients than the fact that. 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. Terri and Tami were pretty good athletes themselves. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith became the NFL's all-time leading rusher on Oct. 27, 2002, an accomplishment he sought as a teenager in Pensacola, Fla . All-NFC Second Team: 1994 (UPI) 1995 (UPI), (6) - 1992, 1993, 1994*, 1995, 1996*, 1997*, At time of his retirement following 2000 season It's an honor to be a member of a Hall of Fame induction class that includes five men for whom I have such admiration and respect. My wife, Rhonda, is my best friend. Other Members of Class of 2006: Harry Carson, John Madden, Warren Moon, Reggie White, Rayfield Wright, Drafted: 1st round (1st player overall) in 1989 by Dallas Cowboys Charles Haley, no one came more prepared to play or played harder on game day than Charles did. [3rd] Most Games, Four of More Touchdowns Passes, Career - 3 [2nd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Season - 65.3 (1991) [1st] Most Pass Completions, Career - 320 He had his arm in a sling. He was recovering from shoulder surgery. A lot of kids want that, but very few actually get the chance. Through broadcasting, real estate, and The Troy Aikman Foundation, Aikman has quickly discovered numerous ways . It was great for me to watch Troy grow as a player, but more than that it was a thrill to watch him grow as a man. Sometimes that meant passing the ball, sometimes it meant handing it off. [1st] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 57 (vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) TROY AIKMAN (Opening Comments): . Violence accounts for much of the appeal of the game, then and now, and the history of American football suggests that fans and players are willing to tolerate injuries for the continuation of the game. I am humbled to be welcomed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and I thank you. I thank both of you for all the support and love you've shown me through the years. What fans saw on Sundays, his teammates saw every day of the week. [1st] Most Touchdowns Passing, Game, Rookie - 4 (vs. L.A. Rams, Dec. 3, 1989) I was blessed to be coached by some of the game's best, beginning with my earliest years of junior All American football in Cerritos, California, with the Suburban Hornets. Id have to say, though, that the Super Bowl was my greatest moment in sports, and it was also my most emotional moment.. John Madden coached the game the same way. I feel privileged to present Troy today. It's no wonder we enjoyed so much success in the '90s considering all the talent we had. Although my time at Oklahoma was brief, it was there that I first learned how difficult playing the quarterback position could be. At time of his retirement following 2000 season. [2nd] Lowest Percentage Passes Intercepted, Season - 1.59 (1998) I wouldn't be here without you. Some guard against overconfidence. 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 2nd] Most Consecutive Completions, Game - 10 (SB XXX, vs. Pittsburgh) I think Reggie got in on that one also. 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. I told them I'd choose Troy. Your friendship and support means so much to me as it did throughout my career. [3rd] Longest Pass Completion - 90 (to Alvin Harper, at San Francisco, Nov. 13, 1994; to Jason Tucker, vs. N.Y. Giants, Jan. 2, 2000, TD) He had his arm in a sling. I certainly would not be here without you. Thank you very much. Leigh was my agent throughout my career. During that 10 year era, Troy was the winningest quarterback in the National Football League. [2nd] Most Consecutive Passes Attempted, None Intercepted - 184 (1995) It was through those disappointments, however, that led to me transfer into UCLA. Quarterback Troy Aikman finished his collegiate career as the third rated passer in NCAA history. [2nd] Most Yards Gained, Game - 455 (vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) I know it's hot. Finally, after the 2000 season, the Cowboys' six-time Pro Bowl selection announced his retirement from football. On Thursday night, however, the FOX Sports announcer was left lost for words after he found out. Mario Orasco, Rod Davis, Manny DeSalvo taught me the fundamentals of the game and what it meant to be a good sport. In an era of super egos, he never let his get in the way of winning. The Colts were only able to muster 71 yards of total offense in the first half against the Steelers' defense. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. As talented as all of these players were, however, they were even better teammates. "If we completed that ball on third and four, we would have won the game." I, too, am saddened by the absence of Reggie White, an amazing player and even better man who left us far too soon. That I was able to do so with so many great players and coaches and win three World Championships and wind up here today with all these great men in gold jackets, well, it's almost too much to believe. [1st] Highest Passing Attempts/Sack Ratio, Season - 36.0 (1998) Fox then cut to an emotional Troy Aikman, the coach's Hall of Fame quarterback in Dallas, who was on the call in Green Bay. Irvin, Novacek, and Harper, each had more than 100 yards receiving. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in August 2006. I've known Mark since I was 22 years old. Position: Quarterback. We went to the playoffs that season, and over the next two years won back to back Super Bowls. 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. It's said you're judged by the company you keep. [2nd] Most Passes Intercepted, Career - 17 Troy Aikman Former Dallas Cowboys Quarterback & NFL Hall of Fame Inductee; Emmy-Nominated Commentator on Fox Sports Troy Aikman has harnessed the drive and dedication that formed the foundation of his Hall of Fame football career with the Dallas Cowboys in numerous successful business ventures since retiring from the game following the 2000 season. Prior to joining the Cowboys, Aikman passed for 5,298 yards and 41 touchdowns in two years at UCLA. I played professional football. He had his arm in a sling. 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. The first is Leigh Steinberg. What fans saw on Sundays, his teammates saw every day of the week. Alvin ran down the field inside the ten, and took Troy, himself, and the rest of the Cowboys right to the Super Bowl. That's it. [2nd] Most Consecutive Passes Attempted, None Intercepted - 184 (1995) Jimmy always played to win. Although it wasn't one that allowed me to put up big numbers, that was fine. I started playing football at the age of seven and retired when I was 34. So many other coaches are responsible for my development as a player. I know he's watching. They all made significant contributions to their teams, and that's why they're here. In closing, I'd like to share something that a close friend used to tell me back when I was playing. He didn't laugh. [Tied for 1st] Most Touchdowns Passing, Game - 5 (at Washington, Sept. 12, 1999) "If we completed that ball on third and four, we would have won the game." Troy was consistently the most accurate passer I've ever seen. 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