troy aikman hall of fame speech

[Tied for 2nd] Most Times Sacked, Game - 11 (vs. Philadelphia, Sept. 15, 1991), [1st] Highest Completion Percentage, Career - 70.0 Daryl Peter "Moose" Johnston (born February 10, 1966) is a former fullback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys.He played college football at Syracuse University.He was the General Manager of the San Antonio Commanders of the Alliance of American Football in 2019, the Director of Player Personnel for the Dallas Renegades in 2020, and currently serves as the Executive . [2nd] Lowest Percentage, Passes Intercepted, Career - 1.25 You taught me about discipline, toughness, and life's most important lesson: To never quit. [1st] Most Seasons, 3,000 or More Passing Yards - 5 (1992-93, 1995-97) An All-America at UCLA, Aikman joined the Dallas Cowboys as the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft. I was able to live a dream. Aikman made the. I owe so much of my success to UCLA and to my head coach there at the time, Terry Donahue. [Tied for 3rd] Most Consecutive Passes Completed - 12 (at Green Bay, Oct. 6, 1991), [1st] Most Passing Attempts, Career - 502 A few weeks later, we had the chance to go out in the field for the first time. My father, Ken, taught me early on that through hard work I could achieve anything I wanted in life. Team owner Jim Irsay relieved Frank Reich of his head coaching duties Nov. 7 after a disappointing 351 start. [Tied for 1st] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 53 (at San Francisco, Jan. 15, 1995) He meant that much to my career and to the Dallas Cowboys. There are two other people that deserve mention. 8, Troy Aikman. 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. [1st] Most Passing Yards Gained, Career - 3,849 The best example to me was in the '92 championship game, with four minutes left in the game. My intensity on the field was a reflection of you and your impact on my athletic career was greater than you'll ever know. There are two other people that deserve mention. I further explained my answer. Super Bowls were more important than statistics. [1st] Most Touchdowns Passing, Game, Rookie - 4 (vs. L.A. Rams, Dec. 3, 1989) John Madden coached the game the same way. Thank you for the hospitality and thank you for the courtesy you've shown me and my family. Today Troy is being honored as one of the greatest players ever. It's fitting that he's the first of that group to enter the Hall of Fame. Jason Garrett, my confidant and greatest ally on the field and quarterback meetings for the majority of my career. 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. What fans saw on Sundays, his teammates saw every day of the week. Ernie, I say thank you for everything. Since I didn't have a brother, they were the ones who satisfied my need to get better by playing catch, running routes, rebounding baskets, and doing pretty much everything else little brother needed. I, too, am saddened by the absence of Reggie White, an amazing player and even better man who left us far too soon. Irsay replaced Reich with former Colts center Jeff Saturday on an interim basis. Then of course there was Jimmy. In 1996, he broke Cowboy team records for career pass completions, attempts and passing yards. With 90 wins in the 1990s, Aikman became the winningest starting quarterback of any decade in NFL history at the time of his retirement. I was able to live a dream. Dad, you were right. [Tied for 3rd] Most Consecutive Games, 300 or More Yards Passing - 2 (1994) You taught me about discipline, toughness, and life's most important lesson: To never quit. Coach Donahue, thank you for providing me an opportunity at UCLA and having such a positive influence on my life. What Norv Turner would say was this: Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that these are the jobs we've always dreamed of having. [2nd] Lowest Percentage, Passes Intercepted, Career - 1.25 I know it's been a long day. You've always given more than you've gotten, yet I don't think you'd have it any other way. Thank you, Strapper. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items. I'm so grateful to the NFL, to the Cowboys, to my teammates, and to my coaches, for helping me get here. He was standing in a meeting room. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Rookie Season - 155 (1989) 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. Over the last three days we've been here, the hospitality that they've shown myself and family has been nothing short of spectacular. The first is Leigh Steinberg. "If we completed that ball on third and four, we would have won the game." Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. [2nd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 75.68 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 16, 1994) A few weeks later, we had the chance to go out in the field for the first time. [2nd] Most Times Sacked, Career - 259 I'd also like to thank the many friends, family and fans who have traveled great distances to share this moment with me today. If you look at Troy's greatest plays, they came in the most critical situations. Norv Turner (presenter): Ken Anderson's 2-4 record says as much about his Pro Football Hall of Fame bona fides as all of the black-ink rate stats on his Pro Football Reference page, maybe more. They all made significant contributions to their teams, and that's why they're here. As I look at the men on this stage behind me, I think about the many great moments that they helped produce. 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 During that 10 year era, Troy was the winningest quarterback in the National Football League. An All-America at UCLA, Aikman joined the Dallas Cowboys as the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft. We could have given it to Emmitt?". 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. [3rd] Most Pass Completions, Game - 28 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 16, 1994) 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. 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame All Rights Reserved. This puzzle was found on Daily pack. [3rd] Most Pass Completions, Season - 296 (1996) 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 High School: Henryetta HS (Henryetta, OK) After transferring from the University of Oklahoma, Troy Aikman made an immediate and indelible impact on UCLA football in only two seasons with the Bruins. He also rushed three times for 28 yards and recovered his own fumble. 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. Of all those years, Norv and I were together for only three. In closing, I'd like to share something that a close friend used to tell me back when I was playing. Aikman's 94-yard touchdown pass to Harper was the longest play from scrimmage in NFL post-season history at the time. 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. Copyright UCLA Athletics. Ernie couldn't be with us today. Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. Leigh was my agent throughout my career. "Theyve thrown the ball a lot more than I would have anticipated," Aikman mentioned. [Tied for 3rd] Most Consecutive Passes Completed - 12 (at Green Bay, Oct. 6, 1991), [1st] Most Passing Attempts, Career - 502 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. He also rushed three times for 28 yards and recovered his own fumble. I was also lucky to grow up with two terrific sisters, at least most of the time (smiling). With Troy, you didn't have those "if's" and "why's." Say yes 7 little words. If that's true, I'm in great standing today. TROY AIKMAN (Opening Comments): . Years: 1984-1985, 1987-1988. The older I get, the more I understand how much you sacrificed, and your children will forever be indebted to you. Another one of Troy's real strengths was his ability to bring out the best in everyone around him. If you look at Troy's greatest plays, they came in the most critical situations. 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. Ernie couldn't be with us today. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. I'm also very grateful to my family. Of all those years, Norv and I were together for only three. I said, because I want to win. During the broadcast, the Hall of Famer described the Colts' offense as "pretty dreadful.". Aikman was the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. That season also marked the end of Dallas' odyssey from worst to first. Didn't take long to see that Jimmy was unique, and it wasn't just because of his hair. A high school coach once told me, In life you have a lot of acquaintances but very few friends. As I look at the men on this stage behind me, I think about the many great moments that they helped produce. Charles Haley, no one came more prepared to play or played harder on game day than Charles did. Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman presents former NFL head coach Jimmy Johnson during the 2020 HOF enshrinement ceremony. The first is Leigh Steinberg. 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. When defenses focused on Irvin and/or Smith, Aikman would find tight end Jay Novacek or wide receiver Alvin Harper. We went to the playoffs that season, and over the next two years won back to back Super Bowls. He was named the game's Most Valuable Player. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that these are the jobs we've always dreamed of having. Every move Jerry Jones made was done with the sole purpose of helping the Cowboys win championships. Leigh was my agent throughout my career. Coach Donahue, thank you for providing me an opportunity at UCLA and having such a positive influence on my life. He meant that much to my career and to the Dallas Cowboys. That's what he was about then, and still is to this day. He was recovering from shoulder surgery. Super Bowls were more important than statistics. If you look at his greatest games, they came against the best teams and they came in the playoffs. [2nd] Most Consecutive Passes Completed - 13 (at Atlanta, Dec. 21, 1992; at Oakland, Nov. 19, 1995; at Arizona, Nov. 15, 1998) 8's first eight. [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Career - 61.5 [1st] Most Games, 300 or More Passing Yards, Career - 4 She inspires me daily in ways that no one ever has before. A renewed commitment to the rushing attack may have attributed to Indy's ability to score more in the second half. That game is one of my most memorable games for all those reasons, but it had a little something extra for me. Rick Enis, Danny Spurlock, Ken Lackey, Steve Axman, Rick Neuheisel, Jerry Rhome, Hudson Houck, Joe Avazzano. [Tied for 2nd] Most Times Sacked, Game - 11 (vs. Philadelphia, Sept. 15, 1991), [1st] Highest Completion Percentage, Career - 70.0 We went to the playoffs that season, and over the next two years won back to back Super Bowls. Thank you for the hospitality and thank you for the courtesy you've shown me and my family. Was one of the best offensive minds and greatest people that this game has ever known. It's no wonder we enjoyed so much success in the '90s considering all the talent we had. Coach Donahue, thank you for providing me an opportunity at UCLA and having such a positive influence on my life. It was through those disappointments, however, that led to me transfer into UCLA. Jimmy Johnson and I arrived in Dallas the same year, 1989, both fresh from college, both eager to prove ourselves. He was standing in a meeting room. I remember it like it was yesterday, the first time I met Troy Aikman. I owe so much of my success to UCLA and to my head coach there at the time, Terry Donahue. I know it's hot. I enjoyed the best seat in the house as I watched Emmitt Smith run his way to the NFL's all time rushing record. John Madden coached the game the same way. Presenter: Norv Turner, Former Dallas Cowboys assistant coach and longtime NFL head coach 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. He became the first Dallas rookie quarterback to start a season opener since Roger Staubach in 1969. Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. [1st] Consecutive Passes Completed - 10 (vs. Pittsburgh, Jan. 28, 1996) 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. But it was really a very easy question for me to answer. Weight: 217. Jimmy always played to win. [Tied for 1st] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 53 (at San Francisco, Jan. 15, 1995) He was also named UCLAs offensive and team MVP. I started playing football at the age of seven and retired when I was 34. Charles Haley, no one came more prepared to play or played harder on game day than Charles did. Troy has also been selected to six Pro Bowl teams while throwing for over 28,000 yards and 141 touchdowns. Dad, you were right. [Tied for 1st] Most Touchdowns Passing, Game - 4 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo) [3rd] Most Passing Yards Gained, Season - 3,445 (1992) It was very difficult coaching against Troy and the Cowboys the next seven years. "The violence of the sport attracts us to the game." Fox News U.S. Mark Tuinei, Nate Newton, Mark Stepnoski, John Gesek, Eric Williams, Larry Allen, and Kevin Gogan. 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. Another one of Troy's real strengths was his ability to bring out the best in everyone around him. I did what was asked to help the team win. [Tied for 1st] Most Consecutive Games, Four or More Touchdowns Passes - 1 (at Washington, Sept. 12, 1999) His impact on me was significant. There's now a new team of Aikman women in my life. Aikman, wide receiver Michael Irvin, and running back Emmitt Smith delivered an offensive attack that opponents found nearly impossible to contain. Thank you very much. I'd also like to say that the people in Canton, Ohio, have been absolutely terrific. Troy was driven to be the best, and he expected the same from everyone around him. Joe has been a great friend to me and my family for many years. Norv was my coach for three years. I don't anticipate missing many Hall of Fame weekends. In the 1994 NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Green Bay Packers, Aikman completed 23 of 30 passes for 337 yards. Super Bowl XXVII MVP, Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame: February 4, 2006, Enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame: August 5,2006 Troy Aikman 12seasons 32,942yards 6Pro Bowls + Add to Favorites Player Menu Toggle Dallas Cowboys 1989-2000 Bio Stats Championship Games Career Highlights Career Capsule Enshrinement speech Media Merchandise Troy AikmanCareer Highlights 12 seasons As talented as all of these players were, however, they were even better teammates. [1st] Most Consecutive Passes Attempted, None Intercepted - 216 (1999) 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. I further explained my answer. I think Reggie got in on that one also. Terri and Tami were pretty good athletes themselves. Aikman's 22 of 30 for 273 yards passing and four touchdowns earned him Super Bowl MVP honors. Today Troy is being honored as one of the greatest players ever. [3rd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Season - 64.8 (1995) [1st] Most Passing Attempts, 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. 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. What fans saw on Sundays, his teammates saw every day of the week. Troy had the ability to make the play when it mattered the most. Some coaches play not to lose. Troy was driven to be the best, and he expected the same from everyone around him. Mark, thank you for the commitment and support over the last 17 years. I always took great pride in being a part of the triplets with Michael and Emmitt. Troy's greater strength as a player was his ability to focus and stay focused in the most unusual circumstances. Fox Sports analyst Troy Aikman shares his reaction to his former coach Jimmy Johnson's announcement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the Divisional Round. Aikman started the game at quarterback. I know he's watching. 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. That's Troy Aikman. Height: 6-4. We had a good system in Dallas. [1st] Most Consecutive Passes Attempted, None Intercepted - 216 (1999) Position: Quarterback. I was always proud to have him as well as Jeff Moorehead represent me during contract negotiations. Football is a great game that has afforded me many things and provided much happiness. I didn't seek it, and yet I'm here. Jason Garrett, my confidant and greatest ally on the field and quarterback meetings for the majority of my career. [1st] Longest Pass Completion - 94 (to Alvin Harper, vs. Green Bay, Jan. 8, 1995, TD) They all made significant contributions to their teams, and that's why they're here. Football is a great game that has afforded me many things and provided much happiness. [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) (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images). That's what he was about then, and still is to this day. [1st] Most Passing Attempts, No Interceptions, Game - 57 (vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) Pittsburgh beat Indy 24-17, partially due to clock mismanagement in the game's final minutes. I don't anticipate missing many Hall of Fame weekends. 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. Johnson went 80-64 in nine NFL seasons, including four with the. I said, because I want to win. What fans saw on Sundays, his teammates saw every day of the week. [Tied for 1st] Most Consecutive Games, Four or More Touchdowns Passes - 1 (at Washington, Sept. 12, 1999) Aikman did not place all the blame on Ryan for the turnover and admitted that wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. should not have stopped running his route on the play. My intensity on the field was a reflection of you and your impact on my athletic career was greater than you'll ever know. [2nd] Most Passes Intercepted, Career - 17 [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Career - 61.5 Troy's greater strength as a player was his ability to focus and stay focused in the most unusual circumstances. [1st] Most Passes Intercepted, Career - 141 Of all those years, Norv and I were together for only three. It was very difficult coaching against Troy and the Cowboys the next seven years. [1st] Most Games, 300 or More Passing Yards, Career - 13 Warren Moon, Reggie White, Harry Carson and Rayfield Wright played the game the way it should be played. My wife, Rhonda, is my best friend. 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. [1st] Most Passing Yards Gained, Career - 32,942 [1st] Most Seasons, 3,000 or More Passing Yards - 5 (1992-93, 1995-97) [2nd] Most Touchdowns Passing, Career - 23 I didn't seek it, and yet I'm here. [Tied for 3rd] Most Consecutive Games, 300 or More Yards Passing - 2 (1994) Thank you, Norv. I think Reggie got in on that one also. The championships their teams won and the fans they entertained. 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 joked to Troy, We've got to get you to get rid of that ball a little quicker. [2nd] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 53 (at Cincinnati, Dec. 14, 1997) Presenter: Norv Turner, Former Dallas Cowboys assistant coach and longtime NFL head coach It makes me proud to be in their company today. Your friendship and support means so much to me as it did throughout my career. Ernie, I say thank you for everything. Troy was consistently the most accurate passer I've ever seen. It's said you're judged by the company you keep. Sign up and get Insider's information & Special Offers. It's a great honor and thrill to present to the Hall of Fame, Dallas quarterback, No.