I'd also like to thank the many friends, family and fans who have traveled great distances to share this moment with me today. Few have had the great release, the unbelievable arm strength, and incredible accuracy of Troy Aikman. You also have those "why's." Troy has also been selected to six Pro Bowl teams while throwing for over 28,000 yards and 141 touchdowns. We could have given it to Emmitt?". Troy Aikman: [Tied for 2nd] Most Times Sacked, Game - 11 (vs. Philadelphia, Sept. 15, 1991), [1st] Highest Completion Percentage, Career - 70.0 John Madden coached the game the same way. Rick Enis, Danny Spurlock, Ken Lackey, Steve Axman, Rick Neuheisel, Jerry Rhome, Hudson Houck, Joe Avazzano. His career statistics include 32,942 yards and 165 touchdowns for a passer rating of 81.6. After transferring from Oklahoma, he played college football at UCLA, where he won the Davey O'Brien Award as a senior. 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. [1st] Most Touchdowns Passing, Game, Rookie - 4 (vs. L.A. Rams, Dec. 3, 1989) Thank you. 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. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images). During his NFL career, he has led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl Championships and was named MVP of Super Bowl XXVII. I would have loved to have had any one of them on my team. Thank you very much. Over the next three seasons, the Cowboys enjoyed three consecutive 12-4 records and victories in Super Bowls XXVIII and XXX. It's fitting that he's the first of that group to enter the Hall of Fame. 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 told him, I've never seen anything like it. 8, Troy Aikman. I'm also honored to have Norv Turner here today as my presenter. 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. It was also while as Oklahoma that I got coached by Mack Brown, current head coach of the defending national champions Texas Longhorns. Although my time at Oklahoma was brief, it was there that I first learned how difficult playing the quarterback position could be. Troy is one of the most unselfish players to have played. [1st] Highest Passing Attempts/Sack Ratio, Career - 19.2 In February 2006, Aikman was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Your friendship and support means so much to me as it did throughout my career. I, too, am saddened by the absence of Reggie White, an amazing player and even better man who left us far too soon. Aikman's 94-yard touchdown pass to Harper was the longest play from scrimmage in NFL post-season history at the time. [Tied for 2nd] Most Passes Intercepted, Game - 3 (vs. Arizona, Jan. 2, 1999) [3rd] Highest Completion Percentage, Career - 63.8 As I look at the men on this stage behind me, I think about the many great moments that they helped produce. [Tied for 3rd] Most Consecutive Passes Completed - 12 (at Green Bay, Oct. 6, 1991), [1st] Most Passing Attempts, Career - 502 Troy Aikman: 11-4; Danny White: 5-5; Craig Morton: 3-2; Tony Romo: 2-4; Dak Prescott: 2-3; . That's it. 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. 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. It was a signature moment in NFL history. That's what he was about then, and still is to this day. When defenses focused on Irvin and/or Smith, Aikman would find tight end Jay Novacek or wide receiver Alvin Harper. video. [Tied for 3rd] Most Games, 300 or More Yards Passing, Career - 4 In addition to great coaching and ownership, I had the pleasure with playing with a very gifted and special group of players. An All-America at UCLA, Aikman joined the Dallas Cowboys as the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft. AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy &. You taught me about discipline, toughness, and life's most important lesson: To never quit. You know, after a game, a lot of times you have those "if's." There's not a better example of Leigh's support for his clients than the fact that, Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls. Thank you for the hospitality and thank you for the courtesy you've shown me and my family. [Tied for 3rd] Most Touchdown Passes, Game - 4 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo), [2nd] Longest Pass Completion - 94 (to Alvin Harper, vs. Green Bay, 1994) He was standing in a meeting room. Dad, you were right. I certainly would not be here without you. But I feel more privileged to have been his close friend throughout the years. I don't want to say I was surprised. 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. A lot of kids want that, but very few actually get the chance. 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. If you look at Troy's greatest plays, they came in the most critical situations. We were down 21. Sports NFL In his 26-year career in the broadcast booth, Joe Buck has seldom been left speechless. There's not a better example of Leigh's support for his clients than the fact that. I played professional football. I enjoyed the best seat in the house as I watched Emmitt Smith run his way to the NFL's all time rushing record. 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. 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. [2nd] Most Yards Gained, Game - 455 (vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) 8's first eight. "It's the violence of the sport," Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman observed. I enjoyed the best seat in the house as I watched Emmitt Smith run his way to the NFL's all time rushing record. Thank you, Norv. The Colts (4-7-1) travel to Arlington this week for a matchup against the Cowboys (8-3) Sunday night. I, too, am saddened by the absence of Reggie White, an amazing player and even better man who left us far too soon. What fans saw on Sundays, his teammates saw every day of the week. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Career - 2,898 [Tied for 3rd] Most Consecutive Games, 300 or More Yards Passing - 2 (1994) [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Career - 61.5 The second person is my long time business advisor, Mark Grigg. I'm so grateful to the NFL, to the Cowboys, to my teammates, and to my coaches, for helping me get here. I was always proud to have him as well as Jeff Moorehead represent me during contract negotiations. Troy was consistently the most accurate passer I've ever seen. If that's true, I'm in great standing today. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Indy moved on from veteran quarterback Carson Wentz and opted to trade for Ryan during the offseason. [1st] Most Seasons, 3,000 or More Passing Yards - 5 (1992-93, 1995-97) The championships their teams won and the fans they entertained. Since that time I've not met a finer, more trustworthy person. 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. The best example to me was in the '92 championship game, with four minutes left in the game. I wouldn't be here without you. Jimmy insisted on it. Although it wasn't one that allowed me to put up big numbers, that was fine. It's said you're judged by the company you keep. I owe so much of my success to UCLA and to my head coach there at the time, Terry Donahue. [2nd] Most Consecutive Passes Completed - 13 (at Atlanta, Dec. 21, 1992; at Oakland, Nov. 19, 1995; at Arizona, Nov. 15, 1998) [1st] Most Passing Yards Gained, Career - 3,849 Jersey Number: 8. As you saw today, there's a lot of great ones to choose from. Say yes 7 little words. I would have loved to have had any one of them on my team. Warren Moon, Reggie White, Harry Carson and Rayfield Wright played the game the way it should be played. My intensity on the field was a reflection of you and your impact on my athletic career was greater than you'll ever know. Troy Aikman is not a Hall of Fame quarterback. I didn't seek it, and yet I'm here. [3rd] Most Passing Attempts, Season - 473 (1992) Aikman started the game at quarterback. The championships their teams won and the fans they entertained. 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. Following high school, I attended Oklahoma University and was coached by one of the winningest coaches in college football history, Barry Switzer. Troy was driven to be the best, and he expected the same from everyone around him. If you look at his greatest games, they came against the best teams and they came in the playoffs. For as long as I can remember, all I ever wanted was to play pro sports. [2nd] Highest Attempts/Sack Ratio, Season - 31.9 (1995) 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. Norv came to Dallas as an offensive coordinator in 1991, my third season, and turned around one of the worst offenses in the National Football League, and gave guidance to a young quarterback who was in desperate need of some direction. [3rd] Most Games, Four of More Touchdowns Passes, Career - 3 Troy's teammates would tell you he was a leader of those great Dallas teams of the '90s. [2nd] Lowest Percentage, Passes Intercepted, Career - 1.25 Didn't take long to see that Jimmy was unique, and it wasn't just because of his hair. There are other daily puzzles for January 17 2023 - 7 Little Words: Like the NFL's big Bowl 7 little words. [Tied for 2nd] Most Passes Intercepted, Game - 3 (vs. Arizona, Jan. 2, 1999) Indianapolis' season has not met expectations. I'd also like to thank the many friends, family and fans who have traveled great distances to share this moment with me today. The first is Leigh Steinberg. It's a great honor and thrill to present to the Hall of Fame, Dallas quarterback, No. Thank you for the hospitality and thank you for the courtesy you've shown me and my family. Rhonda, you're a wonderful mother, an example to our three daughters, Rachel, Jordan, and Alex. [2nd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 75.68 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 16, 1994) 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. Legal Statement. Birthplace: West Covina, California. 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. In fact, he gave me that look he can give you that says, hey, let's get to work. It's no wonder we enjoyed so much success in the '90s considering all the talent we had. And I thank him for having the biggest single influence on my career. Team owner Jim Irsay relieved Frank Reich of his head coaching duties Nov. 7 after a disappointing 351 start. [3rd] Lowest Percentage Passes Intercepted, Season - 1.62 (1995) Then of course there was Jimmy. We went to the playoffs that season, and over the next two years won back to back Super Bowls. The first is Leigh Steinberg. 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 think Reggie got in on that one also. [3rd] Most Pass Completions, Game - 28 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 16, 1994) Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. I said, because I want to win. [3rd] Most Consecutive Passes Attempted, None Intercepted - 88 (1994-96) There are two other people that deserve mention. [1st] Most Passing Yards Gained, Game, Rookie Season - 379 (at Phoenix, Nov. 12, 1989) 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. Alvin ran down the field inside the ten, and took Troy, himself, and the rest of the Cowboys right to the Super Bowl. 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. Enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame: August 5, 2006 Presenter: Norv Turner, Former Dallas Cowboys assistant coach and longtime NFL head coach They all made significant contributions to their teams, and that's why they're here. 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. Alvin ran down the field inside the ten, and took Troy, himself, and the rest of the Cowboys right to the Super Bowl. I didn't seek it, and yet I'm here. I certainly would not be here without you. [3rd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 73.33 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo) You taught me about discipline, toughness, and life's most important lesson: To never quit. If you look at his greatest games, they came against the best teams and they came in the playoffs. I was also lucky to grow up with two terrific sisters, at least most of the time (smiling). [1st] Most Passing Attempts, No Interceptions, Game - 57 (vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) Some coaches play not to lose. Norv was my coach for three years. Many of his numbers even fall short of Hall of Fame quarterbacks who played in less pass happy eras (pre-1980's). I told them I'd choose Troy. [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Career - 63.75 As talented as all of these players were, however, they were even better teammates. His career statistics include 32,942 yards and 165 touchdowns for a passer rating of 81.6. But my greatest blessings in life have been my family and friends. During the broadcast, the Hall of Famer described the Colts' offense as "pretty dreadful.". You also have those "why's." Thank you, Strapper. Passing Titles: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 19994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 [1st] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 57 (vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) This puzzle was found on Daily pack. . TROY AIKMAN (Opening Comments): . 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. Joe has been a great friend to me and my family for many years. [1st] Longest Pass Completion - 94 (to Alvin Harper, vs. Green Bay, Jan. 8, 1995, TD) The older I get, the more I understand how much you sacrificed, and your children will forever be indebted to you. [Tied for 2nd] Most Consecutive Passes Completed - 8 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo) Troy established many school records including 24 touchdown passes in a season, 228 completions in a season and 32 completions in a game. 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. [1st] Lowest Percentage Passes Intercepted, Career - 2.99 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. [3rd] Most Passing Attempts, No Interceptions, Game - 30 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo), Team Statistical Championships He also made it clear he believes quarterback Matt Ryan is at the end of his career and noted he was shocked by Indy's desire to throw the football instead of opting to run more. Anyway, Bill Holt in Henrietta taught me about the sacrifices that must be made to excel. mayo 29, 2022 . I wouldn't be here without you. Aikman was the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. 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. Mario Orasco, Rod Davis, Manny DeSalvo taught me the fundamentals of the game and what it meant to be a good sport. I did what was asked to help the team win. What fans saw on Sundays, his teammates saw every day of the week. [2nd] Most Passing Yards Gained, Game - 337 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 8, 1995) When I was a kid, all I ever wanted to be was a professional athlete. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Rookie Season - 155 (1989) His impact on me was significant. My father, Ken, taught me early on that through hard work I could achieve anything I wanted in life. So many other coaches are responsible for my development as a player. It wouldn't have happened without the help of a lot of great coaches. That decision would turn around my career. Didn't take long to see that Jimmy was unique, and it wasn't just because of his hair. I remember after the workout calling my good friend and coach Ernie Zampese. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items. In 1990, Aikman completed 226 of 399 passes for 2,579 yards and 11 touchdowns - the team finished 7-9. Jimmy always played to win. You've always given more than you've gotten, yet I don't think you'd have it any other way. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. [2nd] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 49 (vs. Arizona, Jan. 2, 1999) Mario Orasco, Rod Davis, Manny DeSalvo taught me the fundamentals of the game and what it meant to be a good sport. [Tied for 2nd] Most Consecutive Completions, Game - 10 (SB XXX, vs. Pittsburgh) Unfortunately, during his final two seasons, injuries began to take a toll on the Dallas quarterback and the team's winning ways. He knew the things he had to do to give his team the best chance to win. 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. [1st] Most Consecutive Games, Touchdown Pass - 5 (1992-1993, 1994-1995) My intensity on the field was a reflection of you and your impact on my athletic career was greater than you'll ever know. I am humbled to be welcomed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and I thank you. Of all those years, Norv and I were together for only three. 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. 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