Troy Aikman: A Legendary NFL Quarterback
Troy Aikman was born on November 21, 1966, in West Covina, California, U.S. He spent his early years in California, where his athletic talent began to shine from a young age. Aikman’s journey to becoming one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in NFL history started in this small Californian town.1
Table of Contents
Early Athletic Pursuits
Growing up, Aikman was not only passionate about football but also excelled in baseball. His athletic versatility was evident as he showcased exceptional skills in both sports. However, it was football that would ultimately capture his heart and set the stage for his future career.
College Football Career
Troy Aikman’s college football career began at the University of Oklahoma, where he played under coach Barry Switzer. As a freshman, he quickly made an impact, but a broken ankle in his sophomore year sidelined him, leading to a significant decision in his college career.
Transfer to UCLA
After recovering from his injury, Aikman transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), seeking more opportunities to play in a pass-oriented offense. At UCLA, he flourished, leading the Bruins to a 20-4 record over two seasons and earning the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year award in 1987. His outstanding college performance set the stage for his entry into the NFL.
NFL Career with the Dallas Cowboys
- In 1989, Troy Aikman was the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, selected by the Dallas Cowboys. His arrival marked the beginning of a new era for the team.2
- Despite a challenging rookie season, Aikman’s potential was evident, and he quickly developed into a key player for the Cowboys.
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- Aikman’s leadership and skill as a quarterback led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in 1993, 1994, and 1996.
- These championships solidified his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. His ability to perform under pressure and guide his team to victory in crucial games earned him widespread acclaim.
- In Super Bowl XXVII, Aikman delivered a stellar performance, throwing for four touchdowns and leading the Cowboys to a dominant 52-17 victory over the Buffalo Bills. His exceptional play earned him the Super Bowl MVP award, highlighting his crucial role in the team’s success.
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Troy Aikman: A Storied Professional Career
Troy Aikman’s professional career began with a significant milestone when he was selected as the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
This marked the start of what would become a legendary career in the National Football League (NFL). His selection signaled the Cowboys’ commitment to rebuilding and striving for excellence under new leadership.
Transition under New Ownership
On February 25, 1989, a pivotal change occurred for the Dallas Cowboys when Jerry Jones became the new owner of the franchise. One of his first major decisions was to fire long-time head coach Tom Landry and replace him with Jimmy Johnson, a move that would set the tone for the team’s future success.
Johnson, known for his coaching acumen and ability to build winning teams, was tasked with revitalizing the Cowboys, and Aikman was to be a central figure in this plan.
Competition and Solidification of the Starting Role
In the same year, during the NFL’s supplemental draft, Jimmy Johnson selected Steve Walsh, a quarterback who had played under him at the University of Miami. This decision created an initial competition for the starting quarterback position between Aikman and Walsh.
Despite the competition, Aikman demonstrated his skills and leadership, eventually winning the starting quarterback job. Early in the 1990 season, Walsh was traded, solidifying Aikman’s role as the undisputed leader of the Cowboys’ offense.
Rise to Prominence and Super Bowl Success
- Aikman’s early years with the Cowboys were challenging, as the team struggled to find its footing. Despite these initial difficulties, Aikman remained determined and focused, showing resilience and a commitment to improvement.
- His leadership and work ethic were evident as he steadily guided the team through its rebuilding phase.
- The breakthrough came in the early 1990s when the Cowboys, under Aikman’s leadership and with the guidance of Jimmy Johnson, began to emerge as a dominant force in the NFL.
- In the 1992 season, Aikman led the Cowboys to an impressive 13-3 record, culminating in a Super Bowl XXVII victory.
- Aikman’s exceptional performance in the Super Bowl, where he threw for four touchdowns, earned him the Super Bowl MVP award and cemented his status as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
Troy Aikman: Family Life and Personal Relationships
Troy Aikman was born to Kenneth Aikman and Charlyn Bailey Aikman. Raised in a close-knit family, he spent his early years with his parents and two older sisters, Tammy Aikman Powell and Terri Starns.
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— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) April 20, 2024
Growing up in a supportive environment, Aikman developed a strong bond with his family members, who played a crucial role in his formative years.
Childhood and Family Influence
Aikman’s parents and siblings were instrumental in shaping his character and values. The encouragement and support he received from his family helped him navigate the challenges of his early life and fostered his passion for sports. His family’s unwavering support laid the foundation for his future success as a professional athlete.
Marriage and Relationships
Troy Aikman was previously married to Rhonda Worthey, a former publicist for the Dallas Cowboys. The couple married in 2000 and had two daughters, Jordan Ashley Aikman and Alexa Marie Aikman.
The marriage, however, ended in divorce in 2011, after more than a decade together. Despite the end of their marriage, Aikman has maintained a close relationship with his daughters, often sharing moments with them on social media and supporting their endeavors.
Marriage to Catherine Mooty
- In 2017, Troy Aikman married Catherine “Capa” Mooty, a high-end fashion retailer. Catherine Mooty, also known as Capa, brought two sons from her previous marriage into the family, blending their families together.
- The couple’s marriage was celebrated by fans and media, who admired their commitment to creating a harmonious family unit.
- However, recent developments suggest that Troy Aikman’s marriage to Catherine Mooty might be coming to an end. Aikman was spotted with Haley Clark, a Dallas-based sales director, sparking rumors of a new relationship.
- Although neither Aikman nor Mooty has publicly confirmed their separation, the presence of Haley Clark and her social media posts featuring Aikman indicate that the two may have moved on from their marriage.
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Troy Aikman: Financial Success and Earnings
During his illustrious NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, Troy Aikman earned substantial salaries and bonuses that reflected his elite status as a top quarterback. His base salary at the peak of his career was $27.4 million. Additionally, he received bonuses totaling up to $17.85 million.
These figures made Aikman one of the highest-paid players in the league, underscoring his value to the Cowboys and his exceptional performance on the field.
Historic Contract in 1993
In 1993, Aikman signed an unprecedented 8-year contract worth $80 million, which included an $11 million signing bonus. This contract made him the highest-paid athlete in the NFL at the time.
The deal not only highlighted Aikman’s significance to the Cowboys’ franchise but also set a new benchmark for player salaries in the league. His ability to command such a lucrative contract was a testament to his skills, leadership, and contributions to the team’s success.
Broadcasting Career Earnings
After retiring from professional football, Troy Aikman transitioned to a successful career as a sports commentator. His expertise, insight, and articulate commentary quickly made him a prominent figure in sports broadcasting.
As a commentator, Aikman initially earned an estimated $7.5 million annually, making him the highest-paid sports commentator at that time. His transition from the football field to the broadcast booth was seamless, and he continued to build his reputation as a leading voice in sports media.
New Deal with ESPN
In February 2022, Aikman further elevated his broadcasting career by signing a significant new deal with ESPN. This new contract is set to pay him approximately $18.5 million annually, a substantial increase from his previous earnings.
Although the exact details of the contract have not been officially confirmed, it is estimated that Aikman signed a 5-year deal worth $92.5 million to host “Monday Night Football.” This deal not only cements his status as one of the top earners in sports broadcasting but also highlights his enduring influence and popularity in the industry.
Troy Aikman: A Glimpse into His Personal Life
In the early 1990s, Troy Aikman was romantically linked to country singer Lorrie Morgan. The relationship, which lasted for about a year around 1993, garnered significant media attention due to the high-profile nature of both individuals.
Aikman, a star quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, and Morgan, a successful country music artist, made headlines as a celebrity couple during their time together.
Marriage and Family
- In 2000, Troy Aikman married Rhonda Worthey, a publicist who worked for the Dallas Cowboys.
- The couple’s union was a significant milestone in Aikman’s personal life, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Together, Aikman and Worthey had two daughters, Jordan Ashley Aikman and Alexa Marie Aikman.
- The family appeared to lead a happy and stable life for over a decade. However, in 2011, Aikman and Worthey decided to part ways, finalizing their divorce after 11 years of marriage.
- Despite the end of their marriage, Aikman has remained a dedicated father to his daughters, often sharing moments of their lives on social media and maintaining a close relationship with them.
Marriage to Catherine Mooty
After several years of single life, Troy Aikman found love again with Catherine “Capa” Mooty, a high-end fashion retailer. The couple became engaged and married in 2017, blending their families together.
Mooty, who had two sons from a previous marriage, and Aikman, with his two daughters, formed a blended family that seemed to be harmonious and supportive. Their marriage was celebrated by fans and the media, who admired their commitment to each other and their families.
Recent Developments
In June 2023, rumors began to circulate about potential changes in Troy Aikman’s personal life. A social media post suggested that Aikman and Catherine Mooty might have separated. The post indicated that Aikman was seeing a new woman, sparking speculation about the status of his marriage to Mooty.
Although neither Aikman nor Mooty has publicly confirmed their separation, the presence of a new woman in Aikman’s life has fueled rumors of a breakup.
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