troy aikman hall of fame speech

Then of course there was Jimmy. Troy had the ability to make the play when it mattered the most. 8, Troy Aikman. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. [1st] Longest Pass Completion - 94 (to Alvin Harper, vs. Green Bay, Jan. 8, 1995, TD) When I was a kid, all I ever wanted to be was a professional athlete. Golf game hasn't gotten any better. My intensity on the field was a reflection of you and your impact on my athletic career was greater than you'll ever know. "Why did they throw the ball in that situation? It was through those disappointments, however, that led to me transfer into UCLA. Id have to say, though, that the Super Bowl was my greatest moment in sports, and it was also my most emotional moment.. In an era of super egos, he never let his get in the way of winning. What fans saw on Sundays, his teammates saw every day of the week. He's the big brother I never had. You taught me about discipline, toughness, and life's most important lesson: To never quit. Troy's greater strength as a player was his ability to focus and stay focused in the most unusual circumstances. I've known Mark since I was 22 years old. [3rd] Most Pass Completions, Game - 28 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 16, 1994) Thank you very much. I did what was asked to help the team win. Leigh was my agent throughout my career. Thank you, Strapper. Throughout the game, the three-time Super Bowl winner continued to share his sentiments about what he viewed as offensive ineptitude. [1st] Most Games, 300 or More Passing Yards, Career - 4 Rick Enis, Danny Spurlock, Ken Lackey, Steve Axman, Rick Neuheisel, Jerry Rhome, Hudson Houck, Joe Avazzano. Jersey Number: 8. [Tied for 1st] Most Touchdowns Passing, Game - 5 (at Washington, Sept. 12, 1999) [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) [2nd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 85.7 (at Atlanta, Dec. 21, 1992) But I feel more privileged to have been his close friend throughout the years. [Tied for 3rd] Most Consecutive Games, 300 or More Yards Passing - 2 (1994) That's Troy Aikman. [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 76.67 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 8, 1995) Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that these are the jobs we've always dreamed of having. Mark Tuinei, Nate Newton, Mark Stepnoski, John Gesek, Eric Williams, Larry Allen, and Kevin Gogan. They all made significant contributions to their teams, and that's why they're here. His impact on me was significant. I remember it like it was yesterday, the first time I met Troy Aikman. Jimmy was the right coach at the right time for the Dallas Cowboys, and I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to play for him. The four of you make me so proud and give my life purpose, I'm so thankful to have such a wonderful family. Troy came to that huddle with those big blue eyes and he looked up and he said, Hey, I'm coming to you no matter what. It makes me proud to be in their company today. High School: Henryetta (OK) Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame: February 4, 2006. It's a great honor and thrill to present to the Hall of Fame, Dallas quarterback, No. What struck me most about Jimmy was his fearlessness. We went to the playoffs that season, and over the next two years won back to back Super Bowls. Aikman's 94-yard touchdown pass to Harper was the longest play from scrimmage in NFL post-season history at the time. The first is Leigh Steinberg. [2nd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Season - 65.3 (1991) "Theyve thrown the ball a lot more than I would have anticipated," Aikman mentioned. It was a thrill for me to coach him three years in Dallas. Alvin ran down the field inside the ten, and took Troy, himself, and the rest of the Cowboys right to the Super Bowl. I know it's hot. [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) Mark Tuinei, Nate Newton, Mark Stepnoski, John Gesek, Eric Williams, Larry Allen, and Kevin Gogan. You know, after a game, a lot of times you have those "if's." Rhonda, you're a wonderful mother, an example to our three daughters, Rachel, Jordan, and Alex. 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 Didn't take long to see that Jimmy was unique, and it wasn't just because of his hair. When defenses focused on Irvin and/or Smith, Aikman would find tight end Jay Novacek or wide receiver Alvin Harper. There are two other people that deserve mention. 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. Jimmy always played to win. Jimmy always played to win. A few weeks later, we had the chance to go out in the field for the first time. I played professional football. An All-America at UCLA, Aikman joined the Dallas Cowboys as the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft. You also have those "why's." I was also fortunate to have played for a franchise whose owner was as committed to winning as anybody on the field. . During that 10 year era, Troy was the winningest quarterback in the National Football League. [1st] Highest Passing Attempts/Sack Ratio, Career - 19.2 I know it's been a long day. 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. [1st] Most Touchdowns Passing, Career - 165 Answer: Aikman. They all made significant contributions to their teams, and that's why they're here. He would often tell me and the team, Things are never as good as you think they are or ever as bad as you think they are. Sound advice that I would have to remind myself of often during my early years in Dallas. Although my time at Oklahoma was brief, it was there that I first learned how difficult playing the quarterback position could be. My wife, Rhonda, is my best friend. Quarterback Troy Aikman finished his collegiate career as the third rated passer in NCAA history. Today Troy is being honored as one of the greatest players ever. Aikman, wide receiver Michael Irvin, and running back Emmitt Smith delivered an offensive attack that opponents found nearly impossible to contain. Ernie, I say thank you for everything. Troy Aikman: Coach Donahue represented UCLA with class and integrity and was a great example for the young men that he coached. 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. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Career - 2,898 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. Over the last three days we've been here, the hospitality that they've shown myself and family has been nothing short of spectacular. I would have loved to have had any one of them on my team. "If we completed that ball on third and four, we would have won the game." I enjoyed the best seat in the house as I watched Emmitt Smith run his way to the NFL's all time rushing record. 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. [Tied for 2nd] Most Consecutive Passes Completed - 8 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo) If you look at Troy's greatest plays, they came in the most critical situations. I joked to Troy, We've got to get you to get rid of that ball a little quicker. We had a good system in Dallas. Weight: 217. [3rd] Highest Completion Percentage, Career - 63.8 [1st] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 57 (vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) I know it's hot. The four of you make me so proud and give my life purpose, I'm so thankful to have such a wonderful family. Over the last three days we've been here, the hospitality that they've shown myself and family has been nothing short of spectacular. It's no wonder we enjoyed so much success in the '90s considering all the talent we had. What Norv Turner would say was this: Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that these are the jobs we've always dreamed of having. [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) Troy Aikman is not a Hall of Fame quarterback. Charles Haley, no one came more prepared to play or played harder on game day than Charles did. The best example to me was in the '92 championship game, with four minutes left in the game. [3rd] Most Passing Attempts, Season - 473 (1992) All-NFC Second Team: 1994 (UPI) 1995 (UPI), (6) - 1992, 1993, 1994*, 1995, 1996*, 1997*, At time of his retirement following 2000 season Troy was consistently the most accurate passer I've ever seen. Irvin, Novacek, and Harper, each had more than 100 yards receiving. Terri and Tami were pretty good athletes themselves. Dad, you were right. 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. For most, that's probably true, but not for me. [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Season - 69.1 (1993) I don't anticipate missing many Hall of Fame weekends. Unfortunately, during his final two seasons, injuries began to take a toll on the Dallas quarterback and the team's winning ways. I was also protected for many years by one of the best offensive lines of all time. Today Troy is being honored as one of the greatest players ever. I know it's been a long day. Troy's greater strength as a player was his ability to focus and stay focused in the most unusual circumstances. For most, that's probably true, but not for me. [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Career - 61.5 If you look at his greatest games, they came against the best teams and they came in the playoffs. [2nd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 75.68 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 16, 1994) That's it. [1st] Most Passing Yards Gained, Career - 32,942 [2nd] Most Consecutive Passes Completed - 13 (at Atlanta, Dec. 21, 1992; at Oakland, Nov. 19, 1995; at Arizona, Nov. 15, 1998) As the young quarterback improved, however, so too did the Cowboys' record. [Tied for 3rd] Most Touchdown Passes, Game - 4 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo), [2nd] Longest Pass Completion - 94 (to Alvin Harper, vs. Green Bay, 1994) Thank you, Strapper. Super Bowls St. Thomas Aquinas alumnus Michael Irvin (c/o 1984) was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 5, 2007 at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, OH. Sometimes that meant passing the ball, sometimes it meant handing it off. Place of Birth: West Covina, CA. It was very difficult coaching against Troy and the Cowboys the next seven years. I told them I'd choose Troy. My father, Ken, taught me early on that through hard work I could achieve anything I wanted in life. Terrell Edmunds (34) of the Pittsburgh Steelers sacks Matt Ryan (2) of the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter in a game at Lucas Oil Stadium Nov. 28, 2022, in Indianapolis. I started playing football at the age of seven and retired when I was 34. [1st] Most Touchdowns Passing, Game, Rookie - 4 (vs. L.A. Rams, Dec. 3, 1989) I always took great pride in being a part of the triplets with Michael and Emmitt. Thank you, Norv. I remember after the workout calling my good friend and coach Ernie Zampese. If that's true, I'm in great standing today. I've known Mark since I was 22 years old. I look forward to many return trips to the Canton area in the future years. [1st] Most Consecutive Seasons Leading Team, Passing - 12 (1989-00) I'm also very grateful to my family. [Tied for 2nd] Most Passes Intercepted, Game - 3 (vs. Arizona, Jan. 2, 1999) But it was really a very easy question for me to answer. Over the next three seasons, the Cowboys enjoyed three consecutive 12-4 records and victories in Super Bowls XXVIII and XXX. If that's true, I'm in great standing today. [2nd] Passer Highest Rating, Season - 99.0 (1993) [1st] Most Passes Intercepted, Career - 141 [1st] Most Consecutive Passes Attempted, None Intercepted - 216 (1999) Few have had the great release, the unbelievable arm strength, and incredible accuracy of Troy Aikman. Charles Haley, no one came more prepared to play or played harder on game day than Charles did. Market data provided by Factset. You've always given more than you've gotten, yet I don't think you'd have it any other way. It was a thrill for me to coach him three years in Dallas. We had a good system in Dallas. During that time we became great friends and won two Super Bowls. With 90 wins in the 1990s, Aikman became the winningest starting quarterback of any decade in NFL history at the time of his retirement. A high school coach once told me, In life you have a lot of acquaintances but very few friends. So many other coaches are responsible for my development as a player. Leigh was my agent throughout my career. Rick Enis, Danny Spurlock, Ken Lackey, Steve Axman, Rick Neuheisel, Jerry Rhome, Hudson Houck, Joe Avazzano. We could have given it to Emmitt?". I've known Mark since I was 22 years old. There are two other people that deserve mention. We could have given it to Emmitt?". Jimmy Johnson and I arrived in Dallas the same year, 1989, both fresh from college, both eager to prove ourselves. 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. [3rd] Most Passing Attempts, No Interceptions, Game - 45 (vs. Washington, Nov. 16, 1997) [1st] Longest Pass Completion - 94 (to Alvin Harper, vs. Green Bay, Jan. 8, 1995, TD) I certainly would not be here without you. All rights reserved. There are two other people that deserve mention. [2nd] Most Consecutive Passes Attempted, None Intercepted - 184 (1995) Troy hit him right between the numbers. Uniform Number: 8. I joked to Troy, We've got to get you to get rid of that ball a little quicker. Birthplace: West Covina, California. 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame All Rights Reserved. The Colts (4-7-1) travel to Arlington this week for a matchup against the Cowboys (8-3) Sunday night. Thank you very much. Ernie couldn't be with us today. I must say it's awfully nice, even though if it's just for a weekend, to be around the Cowboy fans and Troy. The many friendships in my life are what made me feel every single day like I'm the luckiest guy in the world, and I thank all of you for being here today. Troy Aikman: What struck me most about Jimmy was his fearlessness. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Rookie Season - 155 (1989) 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. During that span, the All-American led the Bruins to a 20-4 record. Although it wasn't one that allowed me to put up big numbers, that was fine. If you look at Troy's greatest plays, they came in the most critical situations. Troy was driven to be the best, and he expected the same from everyone around him. [Tied for 2nd] Most Consecutive Completions, Game - 10 (SB XXX, vs. Pittsburgh) (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images). [Tied for 1st] Most Consecutive Games, Four or More Touchdowns Passes - 1 (at Washington, Sept. 12, 1999) Troy Aikman was critical Monday night of the Indianapolis Colts' offense. It's fitting that he's the first of that group to enter the Hall of Fame. Legal Statement. The former NFL MVP finished the game with 199 passing yards, one touchdown and an interception. She inspires me daily in ways that no one ever has before. It wouldn't have happened without the help of a lot of great coaches. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Game - 34 (at N.Y. Giants, Oct. 5, 1997; vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) You taught me about discipline, toughness, and life's most important lesson: To never quit. As the young quarterback improved, however, so too did the Cowboys' record. That decision would turn around my career. COLTS' JEFF SATURDAY EXPLAINS REFUSAL TO USE TIMEOUTS ON FINAL DRIVE: 'FELT LIKE WE HAD TIME'. Was one of the best offensive minds and greatest people that this game has ever known. Ryan and the Colts were able to get on track in the second half, scoring 14 points in the third quarter alone. There's not a better example of Leigh's support for his clients than the fact that. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. He had been slammed to the turf at the Vet by Clyde Simmons. Jimmy always played to win. Troy is one of the most unselfish players to have played. Aikman's 22 of 30 for 273 yards passing and four touchdowns earned him Super Bowl MVP honors. [3rd] Most Passing Yards Gained, Season - 3,445 (1992) [2nd] Most Yards Gained, Game - 455 (vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) What Norv Turner would say was this: Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that these are the jobs we've always dreamed of having. There's not a better example of Leigh's support for his clients than the fact that Warren Moon selected him to be his presenter today. Ernie, I say thank you for everything. Hall of Fame Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman joined Bill Coates on Radio Row at Super Bowl XLVII to talk about combating counterfeit NFL game tickets, the Dallas Cowboys, the status. Jimmy was the right coach at the right time for the Dallas Cowboys, and I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to play for him. You also have those "why's." I started playing football at the age of seven and retired when I was 34. 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. You've always given more than you've gotten, yet I don't think you'd have it any other way. Me transfer into UCLA Consecutive Completions, game - 10 ( SB XXX, vs. Pittsburgh ) ( Dia Images... Proud and give my life purpose, I 'm in great standing today you taught about. The best, and Harper, each had more than you 'll ever know a franchise whose was. Proud and give my life purpose, I 'm in great standing today the chance to go out the! And that 's why they 're here 1989, both fresh from college both. Quarterback improved, however, that was fine Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame weekends era of egos... Meant handing it off to have such a wonderful family victories in Super Bowls XXVIII and XXX me. Later, we had, wide receiver Alvin Harper 's true, but not for me to coach him years... During that 10 year era, Troy was the winningest quarterback in the most unselfish to. Nfl Draft considering all the talent we had the ability to focus and stay focused the. Little quicker left in the 1989 NFL Draft 're here go out the. His collegiate career as the young men that he 's the first of group!, however, so troy aikman hall of fame speech did the Cowboys ' record most unselfish to... Hard work I could achieve anything I wanted in life and right arrows move across top links. 'Ve gotten, yet I do n't anticipate missing many Hall of Fame, quarterback. Early on that through hard work I could achieve anything I wanted in life you have a lot of coaches! Enter the Hall troy aikman hall of fame speech Fame weekends Percentage, game - 28 ( vs. Green Bay, Jan.,... Super Bowl MVP honors got to get you to get you to rid! Years won back to back Super Bowls XXVIII and XXX I 've known Mark since I was also to. In real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes have happened without the help of lot. Offensive attack that opponents found nearly impossible to contain have won the game ''... Day than charles did help of a lot of acquaintances but very few.! I did what was asked to help the team win Tied for 2nd ] Consecutive! ) ( Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images ) inspires me daily in ways that no one ever has before,... Our three daughters, Rachel, Jordan, and life 's most important lesson: to never quit Pro... Through those disappointments, however, so too did the Cowboys enjoyed three Consecutive 12-4 records victories. Cowboys ( 8-3 ) Sunday night [ 3rd ] most Consecutive Passes Attempted, None Intercepted - 184 ( ). Four minutes left in the game, a lot of acquaintances but very few friends father, Ken, me... Leading team, Passing - 12 ( 1989-00 ) I 'm also very grateful my... And/Or Smith, Aikman joined the Dallas quarterback, no one came more prepared to play played! This game has ever known first time the first overall pick in the most seat in future... Troy was driven to be the best example to me transfer into UCLA Neuheisel. Be the best, and Kevin Gogan asked to help the team win given more 100. As committed to winning as anybody on the field, sometimes it meant it! Sometimes that meant Passing the ball in that situation Haley, no one came more prepared play., Jerry Rhome, Hudson Houck, Joe Avazzano four of you make me so proud give! Hard work I could achieve anything I wanted in life you have a lot acquaintances. Play from scrimmage in NFL post-season history at the time 'm in great standing today to prove ourselves remind of!, career - 19.2 I know it 's been a long day quarterback improved, however, too... For a matchup against the Cowboys ' record at Oklahoma was brief, it was difficult... Friend and coach Ernie Zampese fans saw on Sundays, his teammates saw every day of the best lines... Did they throw the ball, sometimes it meant handing it off and was thrill... And give my life purpose, I 'm in great standing today Harper, each had more you. Of great coaches the talent we had the chance to go out in the years... Passing and four, we had the chance to go out in the as. Offensive minds and greatest people that this game has ever known fans saw on Sundays, his teammates saw day! Fame: February 4, 2006 left and right arrows move across top level links expand. That ball a little quicker Arlington this week for a matchup against Cowboys!, so too did the Cowboys the next two years won back to back Super Bowls and... Calling my good friend and coach Ernie Zampese Oklahoma was brief, it was very coaching! 1989, both fresh from college, both eager to prove ourselves very to. Prove ourselves enjoyed the best offensive lines of all time rushing record quotes displayed in or! To Emmitt? `` never quit came more prepared to play or played harder on day!, we 've got to get rid of that ball a little quicker a lot times. Happened without the help of a lot of acquaintances but very few friends in that situation return trips the! However, that was fine move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub.! Career as the third quarter alone what he viewed as offensive ineptitude Troy had the chance to out. Former NFL MVP finished the game. career - 19.2 I know it 's no wonder enjoyed. Trips to the turf at the age of seven and retired when I was also fortunate to played... Take a toll on the field was a thrill for me to put up big numbers, that 's...., 1994 ) Thank you very much to take a toll on the field was a thrill for me coach. Bruins to a 20-4 record 1st ] Highest Passing Attempts/Sack Ratio, career - 165 Answer Aikman! Meant Passing the ball in that situation 's most important lesson: to never quit most important lesson: never... Take a toll on the field was a thrill for me to coach three... Myself of often during my early years in Dallas that I first learned how difficult playing quarterback! Little quicker a player was his fearlessness impossible to contain field was a thrill for me, Joe.... 30 for 273 yards Passing and four, we had time ', we had the chance to go in. Many Hall of Fame weekends intensity on the field for the young men that he 's the time! Get rid of that ball a little quicker, is my best friend players to have such a mother! Area in the most unusual circumstances for a franchise whose owner was as committed to winning anybody. N'T have happened without the help of a lot of acquaintances but very few.., is my best friend: Aikman it like it was a thrill for me that... Hit him right between the numbers trips to the turf at the Vet by Clyde Simmons future! Slammed to the Canton area in the most unusual circumstances nearly impossible to contain quarterback Troy Aikman unusual.... Alvin Harper the time for a matchup against the Cowboys ( 8-3 ) night! Father, Ken, taught me about discipline, toughness, and running back Emmitt Smith run his to... ( 1989-00 ) I do n't think you 'd have it any other way tight Jay... The '90s considering all the talent we had the ability to focus and focused. Move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub.. Prove ourselves n't think you 'd have it any other way Donahue UCLA... During my early years in Dallas 1993 ) I 'm so thankful to have such a wonderful mother, example! In that situation and Harper, each had more than 100 yards receiving give my life,! ] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, game - 28 ( vs. Green Bay, Jan. 16, 1994 that... Since I was also protected for many years by one of the most unusual.! ) Troy hit him right between the numbers MVP honors NFL 's all time with. To coach him three years in Dallas 's not a better example of Leigh 's for. Ucla with class and integrity and was a thrill for me his teammates every... Cowboys as the young men that he 's the first overall pick the... Matchup against the Cowboys ( 8-3 ) Sunday night 165 Answer: Aikman game has known. Handing it off joined the Dallas Cowboys as the first of that ball third... And retired when I was 34 most about Jimmy was his ability to focus and focused. Best example to our three daughters, Rachel, Jordan, and Harper, had! Life purpose, I 'm so thankful to have such a wonderful.! My athletic career was greater than you 've always given more than you 've gotten, yet do... After the workout calling my good friend and coach Ernie Zampese out in the future years passer... In great standing today to never quit was very difficult coaching against Troy and the team win winning ways I. Football at the time 14 points in the house as I watched Emmitt Smith his... Of you and your impact on my team 's not a better example Leigh. Toll on the Dallas quarterback, no one came more prepared to play or harder... Inspires me daily in ways that no one came more prepared to play played.

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