troy aikman hall of fame speech

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. Was one of the best offensive minds and greatest people that this game has ever known. At time of his retirement following 2000 season. A renewed commitment to the rushing attack may have attributed to Indy's ability to score more in the second half. Ernie couldn't be with us today. Rhonda, you're a wonderful mother, an example to our three daughters, Rachel, Jordan, and Alex. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. I thank both of you for all the support and love you've shown me through the years. But it was really a very easy question for me to answer. In addition to great coaching and ownership, I had the pleasure with playing with a very gifted and special group of players. I don't anticipate missing many Hall of Fame weekends. He also rushed three times for 28 yards and recovered his own fumble. 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. His career statistics include 32,942 yards and 165 touchdowns for a passer rating of 81.6. Coach Donahue, thank you for providing me an opportunity at UCLA and having such a positive influence on my life. My intensity on the field was a reflection of you and your impact on my athletic career was greater than you'll ever know. 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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. [3rd] Most Games, Four of More Touchdowns Passes, Career - 3 [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 76.67 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 8, 1995) [1st] Lowest Percentage Passes Intercepted, Rookie Season - 6.14 (1989) I started playing football at the age of seven and retired when I was 34. But my greatest blessings in life have been my family and friends. I am humbled to be welcomed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and I thank you. As I look at the men on this stage behind me, I think about the many great moments that they helped produce. Jimmy insisted on it. . And I thank him for having the biggest single influence on my career. If that's true, I'm in great standing today. "Theyve thrown the ball a lot more than I would have anticipated," Aikman mentioned. He was named the game's Most Valuable Player. 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. In Dallas, my role as the quarterback was to move our team down the field and score points. My wife, Rhonda, is my best friend. [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 76.67 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 8, 1995) When defenses focused on Irvin and/or Smith, Aikman would find tight end Jay Novacek or wide receiver Alvin Harper. Anyway, Bill Holt in Henrietta taught me about the sacrifices that must be made to excel. [3rd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 73.33 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo) If you look at his greatest games, they came against the best teams and they came in the playoffs. 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. Norv was right. Joe has been a great friend to me and my family for many years. Mom, you're an amazing woman. "It's the violence of the sport," Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman observed. NFL broadcaster Troy Aikman was not pleased with the Indianapolis Colts' display of inept offense during Monday night's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. For most, that's probably true, but not for me. "If we completed that ball on third and four, we would have won the game." The first is Leigh Steinberg. It's said you're judged by the company you keep. I look forward to many return trips to the Canton area in the future years. Yet it's our friendship that is most special because it has endured long after he stopped coaching me in Dallas. 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. Troy's greater strength as a player was his ability to focus and stay focused in the most unusual circumstances. You taught me about discipline, toughness, and life's most important lesson: To never quit. Legal Statement. Prior to joining the Cowboys, Aikman passed for 5,298 yards and 41 touchdowns in two years at UCLA. I was also lucky to grow up with two terrific sisters, at least most of the time (smiling). Aikman's 94-yard touchdown pass to Harper was the longest play from scrimmage in NFL post-season history at the time. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Game - 34 (at N.Y. Giants, Oct. 5, 1997; vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) [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) Charles Haley, no one came more prepared to play or played harder on game day than Charles did. 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. You've always given more than you've gotten, yet I don't think you'd have it any other way. I would have loved to have had any one of them on my team. But my greatest blessings in life have been my family and friends. Aikman started the game at quarterback. Finally, after the 2000 season, the Cowboys' six-time Pro Bowl selection announced his retirement from football. [2nd] Most Pass Completions, Season - 302 (1992) [3rd] Highest Completion Percentage, Career - 63.8 What struck me most about Jimmy was his fearlessness. Another one of Troy's real strengths was his ability to bring out the best in everyone around him. I'm so grateful to the NFL, to the Cowboys, to my teammates, and to my coaches, for helping me get here. Indianapolis only put up three points over the game's first two quarters. I enjoyed the best seat in the house as I watched Emmitt Smith run his way to the NFL's all time rushing record. Warren Moon, Reggie White, Harry Carson and Rayfield Wright played the game the way it should be played. In Dallas, my role as the quarterback was to move our team down the field and score points. Jersey Number: 8. mayo 29, 2022 . Thank you, Norv. He's the big brother I never had. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Super Bowl XXVII- Dallas Cowboys 52, Buffalo Bills 17 I started playing football at the age of seven and retired when I was 34. I said, because I want to win. There's not a better example of Leigh's support for his clients than the fact that. He became the first Dallas rookie quarterback to start a season opener since Roger Staubach in 1969. Super Bowl XXVII MVP, Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame: February 4, 2006, Enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame: August 5,2006 [1st] Most Passing Attempts, No Interceptions, Game - 57 (vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) Say yes 7 little words. Troy is one of the most unselfish players to have played. What Norv Turner would say was this: Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that these are the jobs we've always dreamed of having. [1st] Most Passes Intercepted, Career - 141 In 1990, Aikman completed 226 of 399 passes for 2,579 yards and 11 touchdowns - the team finished 7-9. Mark, thank you for the commitment and support over the last 17 years. Your friendship and support means so much to me as it did throughout my career. In 1999, he was inducted into the UCLA Sports Hall of Fame. [2nd] Most Consecutive Passes Completed - 13 (at Atlanta, Dec. 21, 1992; at Oakland, Nov. 19, 1995; at Arizona, Nov. 15, 1998) He didn't laugh. 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 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. [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Career - 61.5 I thank all of you. I didn't seek it, and yet I'm here. In fact, he gave me that look he can give you that says, hey, let's get to work. Super Bowl XXVII- Dallas Cowboys 52, Buffalo Bills 17 TROY AIKMAN (Opening Comments): . "If we completed that ball on third and four, we would have won the game." Troy's greater strength as a player was his ability to focus and stay focused in the most unusual circumstances. Through broadcasting, real estate, and The Troy Aikman Foundation, Aikman has quickly discovered numerous ways . Terri and Tami were pretty good athletes themselves. [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) Thank you very much. Throughout the game, the three-time Super Bowl winner continued to share his sentiments about what he viewed as offensive ineptitude. Leigh was my agent throughout my career. [1st] Most Consecutive Passes Attempted, None Intercepted - 111 (1991-93) I'd like to first of all say that I'm very pleased to see all the people who have stuck around here today. For as long as I can remember, all I ever wanted was to play pro sports. Jimmy Johnson and I arrived in Dallas the same year, 1989, both fresh from college, both eager to prove ourselves. 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. Ernie, I say thank you for everything. [1st] Most Passing Yards Gained, Game - 380 (at San Francisco, Jan. 15, 1995) [2nd] Most Pass Completions, Game - 30 (at San Francisco, Jan. 15, 1995) 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. [1st] Most Consecutive Games, Touchdown Pass - 5 (1992-1993, 1994-1995) I feel privileged to present Troy today. I didn't seek it, and yet I'm here. Leigh was my agent throughout my career. [Tied for 1st] Most Passes Intercepted, Game - 5 (at N.Y. Giants, Oct. 15, 2000) I thank him for his support throughout my career. [1st] Most Touchdowns Passing, Game, Rookie - 4 (vs. L.A. Rams, Dec. 3, 1989) The Indianapolis Colts struggled mightily on offense in a Monday night loss, and broadcaster Troy Aikman was not shy about sharing his opinion on the matter. Troy, were you surprised to be inducted into the Hall of Fame your first year on the ballot? At a time when coaches are guarded about getting too close to their players, Norv proved you could be both a great coach and a great friend. [2nd] Most Pass Completions, Game - 30 (at San Francisco, Jan. 15, 1995) It was also while as Oklahoma that I got coached by Mack Brown, current head coach of the defending national champions Texas Longhorns. 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. [3rd] Most Games, Four of More Touchdowns Passes, Career - 3 The championships their teams won and the fans they entertained. Of all those years, Norv and I were together for only three. Birthplace: West Covina, California. Over the next three seasons, the Cowboys enjoyed three consecutive 12-4 records and victories in Super Bowls XXVIII and XXX. I'd like to first of all say that I'm very pleased to see all the people who have stuck around here today. Troy's teammates would tell you he was a leader of those great Dallas teams of the '90s. [3rd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Season - 64.8 (1995) 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. AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy &. 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. I joked to Troy, We've got to get you to get rid of that ball a little quicker. [2nd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 85.7 (at Atlanta, Dec. 21, 1992) Troy hit him right between the numbers. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. [2nd] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 49 (vs. Arizona, Jan. 2, 1999) [1st] Lowest Percentage Passes Intercepted, Rookie Season - 6.14 (1989) [1st] Most Passing Attempts, Career - 4,715 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. 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. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Career - 2,898 Aikman's 22 of 30 for 273 yards passing and four touchdowns earned him Super Bowl MVP honors. [Tied for 1st] Most Times Sacked, Game - 11 (vs. Philadelphia, Sept. 15, 1991) Super Bowls [2nd] Most Times Sacked, Career - 259 It makes me proud to be in their company today. During that 10 year era, Troy was the winningest quarterback in the National Football League. Mark Tuinei, Nate Newton, Mark Stepnoski, John Gesek, Eric Williams, Larry Allen, and Kevin Gogan. But I feel more privileged to have been his close friend throughout the years. [Tied for 1st] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 53 (at San Francisco, Jan. 15, 1995) Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. As you saw today, there's a lot of great ones to choose from. I'm also honored to have Norv Turner here today as my presenter. Thank you. A few weeks later, we had the chance to go out in the field for the first time. [1st] Most Passing Yards Gained, Rookie Season - 1,749 (1989) Market data provided by Factset. Troy had the ability to make the play when it mattered the most. A couple years ago during an interview, I was asked, if I got to coach one game, who would I choose as my starting quarterback. [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Season - 69.1 (1993) Jimmy's boldness set the tone for a young group of players who didn't know much about winning but were eager to learn. He completed 22 of 30 passes for 273 yards and four touchdowns. Mark Tuinei, Nate Newton, Mark Stepnoski, John Gesek, Eric Williams, Larry Allen, and Kevin Gogan. In an era of super egos, he never let his get in the way of winning. Coach Donahue represented UCLA with class and integrity and was a great example for the young men that he coached. So many other coaches are responsible for my development as a player. 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 . John Madden coached the game the same way. Thank you very much. I'm also very grateful to my family. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images). I was always proud to have him as well as Jeff Moorehead represent me during contract negotiations. John Madden coached the game the same way. Today Troy is being honored as one of the greatest players ever. If that's true, I'm in great standing today. 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. Thank you. 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. He had been slammed to the turf at the Vet by Clyde Simmons. Alvin ran down the field inside the ten, and took Troy, himself, and the rest of the Cowboys right to the Super Bowl. Thank you. [1st] Most Passing Yards Gained, Rookie Season - 1,749 (1989) The best example to me was in the '92 championship game, with four minutes left in the game. I was also protected for many years by one of the best offensive lines of all time. You know, after a game, a lot of times you have those "if's." That's what he was about then, and still is to this day. I always took great pride in being a part of the triplets with Michael and Emmitt. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Didn't take long to see that Jimmy was unique, and it wasn't just because of his hair. Troy Aikman: My intensity on the field was a reflection of you and your impact on my athletic career was greater than you'll ever know. Thank you very much. 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. [3rd] Most Consecutive Passes Attempted, None Intercepted - 88 (1994-96) He's the big brother I never had. I know he's watching. Few have had the great release, the unbelievable arm strength, and incredible accuracy of Troy Aikman. . He was standing in a meeting room. [Tied for 2nd] Most Completions, Game - 33 (at Miami, Oct. 27, 1996) [Tied for 2nd] Most Times Sacked, Game - 11 (vs. Philadelphia, Sept. 15, 1991), [1st] Highest Completion Percentage, Career - 70.0 Market data provided by Factset. Then of course there was Jimmy. [3rd] Most Passing Yards Gained, Season - 3,445 (1992) [3rd] Highest Passing Attempts/Sack Ratio, Season - 26.8 (1996) He had his arm in a sling. Rhonda, you're a wonderful mother, an example to our three daughters, Rachel, Jordan, and Alex. 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. He was recovering from shoulder surgery. Leigh was my agent throughout my career. What Norv Turner would say was this: Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that these are the jobs we've always dreamed of having. A few weeks later, we had the chance to go out in the field for the first time. There are two other people that deserve mention. [1st] Most Games, 300 or More Passing Yards, Career - 4 Leigh was my agent throughout my career. It was very difficult coaching against Troy and the Cowboys the next seven years. I'd have to say, though, that the Super Bowl was my greatest moment in sports, and it was also my most emotional moment." Quarterback Troy Aikman finished his collegiate career as the third rated passer in NCAA history. In fact, he gave me that look he can give you that says, hey, let's get to work. Some guard against overconfidence. [Tied for 3rd] Most Games, 300 or More Yards Passing, Career - 4 "Why did they throw the ball in that situation? Ones to choose from and threw for a passer rating of 81.6 toughness, and yet I here. Was n't just because of his hair 30 passes for 273 yards and recovered his own fumble greater as!, Norv and I thank you for all the support and love 've! Very gifted and special group of players support for his clients than the fact.... 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