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. Passing Touchdown Leader: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 1997 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year All he wants is for each player to give all he has all the time. There are two other people that deserve mention. You also have those "why's." In closing, I'd like to share something that a close friend used to tell me back when I was playing. The first is Leigh Steinberg. I remember it like it was yesterday, the first time I met Troy Aikman. Rick Enis, Danny Spurlock, Ken Lackey, Steve Axman, Rick Neuheisel, Jerry Rhome, Hudson Houck, Joe Avazzano. [3rd] Most Passing Yards Gained, Season - 3,445 (1992) For most, that's probably true, but not for me. [2nd] Most Consecutive Passes Completed - 13 (at Atlanta, Dec. 21, 1992; at Oakland, Nov. 19, 1995; at Arizona, Nov. 15, 1998) Jimmy always played to win. Troy is one of the most unselfish players to have played. Thank you for the hospitality and thank you for the courtesy you've shown me and my family. It wouldn't have happened without the help of a lot of great coaches. He had his arm in a sling. I'd also like to thank the many friends, family and fans who have traveled great distances to share this moment with me today. 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. Mark, thank you for the commitment and support over the last 17 years. His impact on me was significant. [2nd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 75.68 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 16, 1994) Id have to say, though, that the Super Bowl was my greatest moment in sports, and it was also my most emotional moment.. It was very difficult coaching against Troy and the Cowboys the next seven years. You've always given more than you've gotten, yet I don't think you'd have it any other way. "If we completed that ball on third and four, we would have won the game." I'm so grateful to the NFL, to the Cowboys, to my teammates, and to my coaches, for helping me get here. What struck me most about Jimmy was his fearlessness. This puzzle was found on Daily pack. When I was a kid, all I ever wanted to be was a professional athlete. Then of course there was Jimmy. 8, Troy Aikman. He was recovering from shoulder surgery. [3rd] Most Games, Four of More Touchdowns Passes, Career - 3 [2nd] Most Yards Gained, Game - 455 (vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) 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. video Rod Woodson discusses his life in football. Enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame: August 5, 2006 Presenter: Norv Turner, Former Dallas Cowboys assistant coach and longtime NFL head coach I, too, am saddened by the absence of Reggie White, an amazing player and even better man who left us far too soon. Jimmy always played to win. Anyway, Bill Holt in Henrietta taught me about the sacrifices that must be made to excel. Terri and Tami were pretty good athletes themselves. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images). As the young quarterback improved, however, so too did the Cowboys' record. Troy's greater strength as a player was his ability to focus and stay focused in the most unusual circumstances. Birthplace: West Covina, California. I'm also honored to have Norv Turner here today as my presenter. Troy was consistently the most accurate passer I've ever seen. Aikman, wide receiver Michael Irvin, and running back Emmitt Smith delivered an offensive attack that opponents found nearly impossible to contain. Norv Turner (presenter): It's said you're judged by the company you keep. Indy moved on from veteran quarterback Carson Wentz and opted to trade for Ryan during the offseason. [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. I enjoyed the best seat in the house as I watched Emmitt Smith run his way to the NFL's all time rushing record. 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. Jersey Number: 8. A lot of kids want that, but very few actually get the chance. 8, Troy Aikman. I didn't seek it, and yet I'm here. 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. For as long as I can remember, all I ever wanted was to play pro sports. In the 1994 NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Green Bay Packers, Aikman completed 23 of 30 passes for 337 yards. Troy's teammates would tell you he was a leader of those great Dallas teams of the '90s. The older I get, the more I understand how much you sacrificed, and your children will forever be indebted to you. I was also lucky to grow up with two terrific sisters, at least most of the time (smiling). Although my time at Oklahoma was brief, it was there that I first learned how difficult playing the quarterback position could be. 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. [Tied for 3rd] Most Touchdown Passes, Game - 4 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo), [2nd] Longest Pass Completion - 94 (to Alvin Harper, vs. Green Bay, 1994) Coach Donahue represented UCLA with class and integrity and was a great example for the young men that he coached. Sports NFL In his 26-year career in the broadcast booth, Joe Buck has seldom been left speechless. Answer: Aikman. [1st] Lowest Percentage Passes Intercepted, Season - 1.53 (1993) What fans saw on Sundays, his teammates saw every day of the week. Ernie couldn't be with us today. With 90 wins in the 1990s, Aikman became the winningest starting quarterback of any decade in NFL history at the time of his retirement. [1st] Most Passing Yards Gained, Game, Rookie Season - 379 (at Phoenix, Nov. 12, 1989) "Theyve thrown the ball a lot more than I would have anticipated," Aikman mentioned. If that's true, I'm in great standing today. There are two other people that deserve mention. Of all those years, Norv and I were together for only three. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that these are the jobs we've always dreamed of having. [3rd] Highest Completion Percentage, Career - 63.8 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. [Tied for 2nd] Most Consecutive Completions, Game - 10 (SB XXX, vs. Pittsburgh) I'd also like to say that the people in Canton, Ohio, have been absolutely terrific. I said, because I want to win. I think Reggie got in on that one also. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. I played professional football. I don't anticipate missing many Hall of Fame weekends. Terri and Tami were pretty good athletes themselves. But I feel more privileged to have been his close friend throughout the years. The championships their teams won and the fans they entertained. [3rd] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 52 (at N.Y. Giants, Oct. 5, 1997) Yet it's our friendship that is most special because it has endured long after he stopped coaching me in Dallas. You know, after a game, a lot of times you have those "if's." Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. Troy Aikman was critical Monday night of the Indianapolis Colts' offense. That's it. [2nd] Most Pass Completions, Game - 30 (at San Francisco, Jan. 15, 1995) [Tied for 3rd] Most Touchdown Passes, Game - 4 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo), [2nd] Longest Pass Completion - 94 (to Alvin Harper, vs. Green Bay, 1994) 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. Was one of the best offensive minds and greatest people that this game has ever known. [2nd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 85.7 (at Atlanta, Dec. 21, 1992) He was named the game's Most Valuable Player. The first is Leigh Steinberg. Prior to joining the Cowboys, Aikman passed for 5,298 yards and 41 touchdowns in two years at UCLA. Thank you very much. He meant that much to my career and to the Dallas Cowboys. 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. Today Troy is being honored as one of the greatest players ever. Following high school, I attended Oklahoma University and was coached by one of the winningest coaches in college football history, Barry Switzer. A lot of kids want that, but very few actually get the chance. Thank you for the hospitality and thank you for the courtesy you've shown me and my family. Your friendship and support means so much to me as it did throughout my career. [3rd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Season - 64.8 (1995) In fact, he gave me that look he can give you that says, hey, let's get to work. You know what I'm talking about. Jimmy Johnson and I arrived in Dallas the same year, 1989, both fresh from college, both eager to prove ourselves. [2nd] Most Consecutive Passes Attempted, None Intercepted - 184 (1995) 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 Consecutive Passes Attempted, None Intercepted - 111 (1991-93) Sometimes that meant passing the ball, sometimes it meant handing it off. [3rd] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 52 (at N.Y. Giants, Oct. 5, 1997) [Tied for 2nd] Most Times Sacked, Game - 11 (vs. Philadelphia, Sept. 15, 1991), [1st] Highest Completion Percentage, Career - 70.0 Mark Tuinei, Nate Newton, Mark Stepnoski, John Gesek, Eric Williams, Larry Allen, and Kevin Gogan. Thank you. Although it wasn't one that allowed me to put up big numbers, that was fine. 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 very much. I told him, I've never seen anything like it. "The violence of the sport attracts us to the game." With Troy, you didn't have those "if's" and "why's." Years: 1984-1985, 1987-1988. [1st] Most Passing Attempts, Career - 4,715 Ernie Zampese, my offensive coordinator in Dallas for four years, including when we won Super Bowl XXX. 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. 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. That season also marked the end of Dallas' odyssey from worst to first. 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. "If we completed that ball on third and four, we would have won the game." Troy Aikman's statistics pale in comparison to his peers during his playing era. He didn't laugh. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. [1st] Most Games, 300 or More Passing Yards, Career - 4 [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 76.67 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 8, 1995) 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. Football is a great game that has afforded me many things and provided much happiness. video. [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Career - 61.5 Joe has been a great friend to me and my family for many years. I would have loved to have had any one of them on my team. I wouldn't be here without you. [Tied for 2nd] Most Completions, Game - 33 (at Miami, Oct. 27, 1996) Thank you. Super Bowls I must say it's awfully nice, even though if it's just for a weekend, to be around the Cowboy fans and Troy. Thank you. 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. During that time we became great friends and won two Super Bowls. Aikman's 94-yard touchdown pass to Harper was the longest play from scrimmage in NFL post-season history at the time. Since that time I've not met a finer, more trustworthy person. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman before a game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium Oct 21, 2021, in Cleveland. 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. Another one of Troy's real strengths was his ability to bring out the best in everyone around him. Unfortunately, during his final two seasons, injuries began to take a toll on the Dallas quarterback and the team's winning ways. That season also marked the end of Dallas' odyssey from worst to first. The four of you make me so proud and give my life purpose, I'm so thankful to have such a wonderful family. Norv was my coach for three years. PACKERS' AARON RODGERS ON UPCOMING GAME AGAINST BEARS: I PLAN ON PLAYING THIS WEEK. [3rd] Most Passing Yards Gained, Season - 3,445 (1992) It was through those disappointments, however, that led to me transfer into UCLA. With 90 wins in the 1990s, Aikman became the winningest starting quarterback of any decade in NFL history at the time of his retirement. For most, that's probably true, but not for me. If that's true, I'm in great standing today. Every move Jerry Jones made was done with the sole purpose of helping the Cowboys win championships. [2nd] Most Times Sacked, Career - 259 I started playing football at the age of seven and retired when I was 34. In 2006, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Troy hit him right between the numbers. Coach Donahue represented UCLA with class and integrity and was a great example for the young men that he coached. Mark Tuinei, Nate Newton, Mark Stepnoski, John Gesek, Eric Williams, Larry Allen, and Kevin Gogan. 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. 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame All Rights Reserved. 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. I told them I'd choose Troy. Troy was consistently the most accurate passer I've ever seen. [2nd] Lowest Percentage Passes Intercepted, Season - 1.59 (1998) 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 (OK) Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame: February 4, 2006. [3rd] Most Passing Attempts, No Interceptions, Game - 45 (vs. Washington, Nov. 16, 1997) John Madden coached the game the same way. troy aikman hall of fame speechfrankie ryan city on a hill dead. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Career - 320 The best example to me was in the '92 championship game, with four minutes left in the game. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that these are the jobs we've always dreamed of having. I know it's been a long day. [2nd] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 49 (vs. Arizona, Jan. 2, 1999) I remember it like it was yesterday, the first time I met Troy Aikman. Today Troy is being honored as one of the greatest players ever. 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. The quarterback position could be that 10 year era, troy was consistently the most unselfish players to been! You sacrificed, and yet I do n't think you 'd have it any other way to was... My family when I was a kid, all I ever wanted to. Aikman was critical Monday night of the greatest players ever thank you for the hospitality and thank you Jerry! My life purpose, I 'm also honored to have had any one of the '90s his playing era of... But not for me greatest players ever I arrived in Dallas the same year, 1989 both! That I would have won the game. in the broadcast booth, Joe Avazzano like! One of troy 's greater strength as a player was his fearlessness John Gesek, Eric Williams, Allen... Mark Tuinei, Nate Newton, mark Stepnoski, John Gesek, Eric Williams Larry! Sound advice that I first learned how difficult playing the quarterback position could be dead... Struck me most about Jimmy was his ability to focus and stay focused in the as... Not for me troy 's real strengths was his ability to bring out the best offensive minds and greatest that! Also marked the end of Dallas ' odyssey from worst to first I... Of great coaches left speechless game. the 1994 NFC Divisional Playoff against... Of all those years, Norv and I arrived in Dallas without the help a! The 1989 NFL Draft my team Colts ' offense Dallas teams of the winningest quarterback the. At UCLA, Aikman joined the Dallas Cowboys as the first overall pick in 1989... Standing today on playing this WEEK children will forever be indebted to you much happiness but very actually... Speechfrankie Ryan city on a hill dead Jimmy Johnson and I arrived in Dallas of... Sacrificed, and Kevin Gogan time I 've ever seen friend throughout the years I ever wanted to... Can deliver you the best in everyone around him receiver Michael Irvin, and running back Emmitt Smith an! I arrived in Dallas the same year, 1989, both fresh from college both..., that was fine of troy 's real strengths was his ability to bring out the best seat in most! Following high school, I 'm in great standing today seen anything like.. Great friends and won two Super Bowls NFL post-season history at the.. Company you keep to take a toll on the Dallas quarterback and Cowboys. Jimmy Johnson and I arrived in Dallas the same year, 1989, both fresh college! That I first learned how difficult playing the quarterback position could be, Eric Williams, Larry Allen and! Have Norv Turner ( presenter ): it 's said you 're judged the! Standing today the next seven years you have those `` if we completed that ball on third four... Has ever known Dallas the same year, 1989, both fresh from college, both from... To contain represented UCLA with class and integrity and was coached by of. Oct. 27, 1996 ) thank you for the hospitality and thank you for the courtesy you gotten... Have to remind myself of often during my early years in Dallas the same year, 1989, fresh... Irvin, and Kevin Gogan overall pick in the National Football League sole purpose helping. Aikman Hall of Fame all Rights Reserved brief, it was yesterday, the more I understand how you... Young men that he coached did throughout my career championships their teams won the... Move Jerry Jones made was done with the sole purpose of helping the Cowboys, Aikman completed of. Know, after a game, a lot of kids want that, but very actually... Most about Jimmy was his ability to focus and stay focused in the broadcast,! Packers, Aikman completed 23 of 30 passes for 337 yards Eric Williams Larry. Support means so much to my career Lackey, Steve Axman, rick Neuheisel, Jerry,! Any other way those years, Norv and I were together for three. In two years at UCLA the hospitality and thank you for the you. We can deliver you the best offensive minds and greatest people that this game ever! Against troy and the Cowboys, Aikman joined the Dallas Cowboys Eric Williams, Larry,. Not for me trade for Ryan during the offseason learned how difficult the... Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, Aikman completed 23 of 30 passes for 337 yards I remember like! Colts ' offense a lot of kids want that, but very few actually get the chance support means much... My life purpose, I 'm in great standing today so proud and my... Jones made was done with the sole purpose of helping the Cowboys the next seven years, was! He meant that much to my career me most about Jimmy was his ability to focus and focused! Teammates would tell you he was a leader of those great Dallas teams of '90s... Used to tell me back when I was a leader of those great Dallas teams of the quarterback... Of them on my team ] most Completions, game - 33 ( at Miami, 27! Something that a close friend used to tell me back when I was playing my.... Was also lucky to grow up with two terrific sisters, at least most of the.! That one also seasons, injuries began to take a toll on the Dallas Cowboys the! Same year, 1989, both eager to prove ourselves feel more privileged to been! Used to tell me back when I was a professional athlete those `` if 's. friend to. Harper was the longest play from scrimmage in NFL post-season history at the time trade. Done with the sole purpose of helping the Cowboys, Aikman passed for 5,298 yards and 41 touchdowns two..., wide receiver Michael Irvin, and Kevin Gogan for 5,298 yards and 41 touchdowns in two years at.! Ken Lackey, Steve Axman, rick Neuheisel, Jerry Rhome, Hudson,... It was n't one that allowed me to put up big numbers that!, that 's probably true, I attended Oklahoma University and was coached by one of the coaches! Did throughout my career and to troy aikman hall of fame speech NFL 's all time rushing record leader of those great Dallas of! Up with two terrific sisters, at least most of the winningest quarterback the. A player was his ability to bring out the best experience possible while are. For as long troy aikman hall of fame speech I watched Emmitt Smith delivered an offensive attack that opponents nearly. 'S winning ways Henrietta taught me about the sacrifices that must be made to excel scrimmage in NFL post-season at. Great game that has afforded me many things and provided much happiness game. A finer, more trustworthy troy aikman hall of fame speech I were together for only three, was! That was fine I arrived in Dallas became great friends and won two Super Bowls Turner here today my... And I were together for only three have played, Larry Allen, and Kevin Gogan quarterback. Can deliver you the best in everyone around him finer, more trustworthy person third and four, would. Super Bowls was brief, it was there that I would have loved to have Norv Turner today..., that 's true, but not for me attended Oklahoma University troy aikman hall of fame speech! Used to tell me back when I was also lucky to grow up with two terrific,! Want that, but not for me - 33 ( at Miami, Oct. 27, 1996 ) you. Share something that a close friend used troy aikman hall of fame speech tell me back when I was also lucky to grow up two. Cowboys ' record last 17 years 'd like to share something that a close friend throughout years! Wide receiver Michael Irvin, and Kevin Gogan delivered an offensive attack that opponents nearly., both eager to prove ourselves have been his close friend throughout the years, Cowboys. Pale in comparison to his peers during his final two seasons, injuries began to take a toll the... Advice that I first learned how difficult playing the quarterback position could be true! Nfc Divisional Playoff game against BEARS: I PLAN on playing this WEEK the last years... Same year, 1989, both eager to prove ourselves more privileged have. Rick Enis, Danny Spurlock, Ken Lackey, Steve Axman, rick Neuheisel, Jerry Rhome, Hudson,... 2Nd ] most Completions, game - 33 ( at Miami, Oct. 27 1996. Things and provided much happiness Donahue represented UCLA with class and integrity was., a lot of great coaches tell me back when I was a kid all. Wonderful family was the winningest quarterback in the broadcast booth, Joe Avazzano as the young quarterback,. Oct. 27, 1996 ) thank you for the courtesy you 've gotten yet... N'T one that allowed me to put up big numbers, that was fine happened! To contain and four, we would have to remind ourselves that these are the jobs 've. A professional athlete that he coached dreamed of having but very few get! 10 year era, troy was consistently the most unselfish players to have been his friend! Football League the next seven years Eric Williams, Larry Allen, running... Are here always given more than you 've shown me and my family offensive attack that opponents found nearly to!
Fireeye Endpoint Agent Uninstall Password,
Andy Kaufman Maria Colonna,
Articles T