He meant that much to my career and to the Dallas Cowboys. We went to the playoffs that season, and over the next two years won back to back Super Bowls. 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. He knew the things he had to do to give his team the best chance to win. As I look at the men on this stage behind me, I think about the many great moments that they helped produce. I know it's been a long day. [3rd] Most Passing Attempts, No Interceptions, Game - 30 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo), Team Statistical Championships The four of you make me so proud and give my life purpose, I'm so thankful to have such a wonderful family. For as long as I can remember, all I ever wanted was to play pro sports. Your friendship and support means so much to me as it did throughout my career. Johnson went 80-64 in nine NFL seasons, including four with the. He also rushed three times for 28 yards and recovered his own fumble. I told them I'd choose Troy. Birthplace: West Covina, California. Joe has been a great friend to me and my family for many years. When I was a kid, all I ever wanted to be was a professional athlete. Troy Aikman was the Dallas Cowboys QB from 1989-2000. 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. 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. Every move Jerry Jones made was done with the sole purpose of helping the Cowboys win championships. His career statistics include 32,942 yards and 165 touchdowns for a passer rating of 81.6. 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. Throughout the game, the three-time Super Bowl winner continued to share his sentiments about what he viewed as offensive ineptitude. 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. Yet it's our friendship that is most special because it has endured long after he stopped coaching me in Dallas. I remember it like it was yesterday, the first time I met Troy Aikman. Jimmy's boldness set the tone for a young group of players who didn't know much about winning but were eager to learn. In 1996, he broke Cowboy team records for career pass completions, attempts and passing yards. I joked to Troy, We've got to get you to get rid of that ball a little quicker. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, [3rd] Most Pass Completions, Season - 296 (1996) Finally, after the 2000 season, the Cowboys' six-time Pro Bowl selection announced his retirement from football. Thank you very much. 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. Over the last three days we've been here, the hospitality that they've shown myself and family has been nothing short of spectacular. Jason Garrett, my confidant and greatest ally on the field and quarterback meetings for the majority of my career. Jimmy's boldness set the tone for a young group of players who didn't know much about winning but were eager to learn. Football is a great game that has afforded me many things and provided much happiness. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Rookie Season - 155 (1989) 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. I'm also very grateful to my family. Some guard against overconfidence. He didn't laugh. He was named the game's Most Valuable Player. I'm also honored to have Norv Turner here today as my presenter. 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's no wonder we enjoyed so much success in the '90s considering all the talent we had. [2nd] Most Passing Yards Gained, Game - 337 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 8, 1995) Ernie couldn't be with us today. [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Season - 69.1 (1993) Troy hit him right between the numbers. [1st] Highest Passing Attempts/Sack Ratio, Season - 36.0 (1998) There are two other people that deserve mention. I didn't seek it, and yet I'm here. [Tied for 2nd] Most Completions, Game - 33 (at Miami, Oct. 27, 1996) [3rd] Most Consecutive Passes Attempted, None Intercepted - 88 (1994-96) 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. If that's true, I'm in great standing today. I always took great pride in being a part of the triplets with Michael and Emmitt. "Why did they throw the ball in that situation? Prior to joining the Cowboys, Aikman passed for 5,298 yards and 41 touchdowns in two years at UCLA. Super Bowls were more important than statistics. Thank you, Norv. [2nd] Most Passing Attempts, No Interceptions, Game - 33 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 14, 1996) Although my time at Oklahoma was brief, it was there that I first learned how difficult playing the quarterback position could be. Coach Donahue represented UCLA with class and integrity and was a great example for the young men that he coached. He had his arm in a sling. He was recovering from shoulder surgery. 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. Jimmy always played to win. Super Bowl XXVII MVP, Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame: February 4, 2006, Enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame: August 5,2006 I'd like to first of all say that I'm very pleased to see all the people who have stuck around here today. I played professional football. Fox News U.S. [2nd] Lowest Percentage, Passes Intercepted, Career - 1.25 Coach Donahue, thank you for providing me an opportunity at UCLA and having such a positive influence on my life. You know, after a game, a lot of times you have those "if's." You've always given more than you've gotten, yet I don't think you'd have it any other way. [2nd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Season - 65.3 (1991) [1st] Most Touchdowns Passing, Rookie Season - 9 (1989) Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. There were no "if's." Passing Touchdown Leader: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 1997 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year 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. troy aikman hall of fame speechfrankie ryan city on a hill dead. [3rd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Season - 64.8 (1995) Troy was consistently the most accurate passer I've ever seen. On Thursday night, however, the FOX Sports announcer was left lost for words after he found out. Troy has also been selected to six Pro Bowl teams while throwing for over 28,000 yards and 141 touchdowns. Troy is one of the most unselfish players to have played. Id have to say, though, that the Super Bowl was my greatest moment in sports, and it was also my most emotional moment.. I remember after the workout calling my good friend and coach Ernie Zampese. [1st] Most Passing Yards Gained, Career - 32,942 I further explained my answer. During that time we became great friends and won two Super Bowls. [Tied for 3rd] Most Consecutive Passes Completed - 12 (at Green Bay, Oct. 6, 1991), [1st] Most Passing Attempts, Career - 502 Height: 6-4. The four of you make me so proud and give my life purpose, I'm so thankful to have such a wonderful family. [Tied for 1st] Most Consecutive Games, Four or More Touchdowns Passes - 1 (at Washington, Sept. 12, 1999) [1st] Lowest Percentage Passes Intercepted, Career - 2.99 She inspires me daily in ways that no one ever has before. [1st] Most Games, 300 or More Passing Yards, Career - 4 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. Mom, you're an amazing woman. 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. [1st] Consecutive Passes Completed - 10 (vs. Pittsburgh, Jan. 28, 1996) Since that time I've not met a finer, more trustworthy person. Aikman, wide receiver Michael Irvin, and running back Emmitt Smith delivered an offensive attack that opponents found nearly impossible to contain. If that's true, I'm in great standing today. There's not a better example of Leigh's support for his clients than the fact that. It's said you're judged by the company you keep. Some guard against overconfidence. In 2006, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 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. During that time we became great friends and won two Super Bowls. What fans saw on Sundays, his teammates saw every day of the week. 8, Troy Aikman. 8, Troy Aikman. I know it's hot. He knew the things he had to do to give his team the best chance to win. 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. [Tied for 1st] Most Passes Intercepted, Game - 5 (at N.Y. Giants, Oct. 15, 2000) I know he's watching. In the 1994 NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Green Bay Packers, Aikman completed 23 of 30 passes for 337 yards. Passing Touchdown Leader: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 1997 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Joe Buck's TV partner Troy. Troy established many school records including 24 touchdown passes in a season, 228 completions in a season and 32 completions in a game. What struck me most about Jimmy was his fearlessness. 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. [3rd] Highest Passer Rating, Career - 81.62 I thank both of you for all the support and love you've shown me through the years. In an era of super egos, he never let his get in the way of winning. I was always proud to have him as well as Jeff Moorehead represent me during contract negotiations. [3rd] Highest Completion Percentage, Career - 63.8 Few have had the great release, the unbelievable arm strength, and incredible accuracy of Troy Aikman. I'd also like to thank the many friends, family and fans who have traveled great distances to share this moment with me today. He was standing in a meeting room. I was also protected for many years by one of the best offensive lines of all time. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Career - 2,898 The first is Leigh Steinberg. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images). Thank you very much. Thank you very much. He became the first Dallas rookie quarterback to start a season opener since Roger Staubach in 1969. [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) 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. Mark Tuinei, Nate Newton, Mark Stepnoski, John Gesek, Eric Williams, Larry Allen, and Kevin Gogan. 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'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. There are two other people that deserve mention. [1st] Most Games, 300 or More Passing Yards, Career - 13 Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. I started playing football at the age of seven and retired when I was 34. Then of course there was Jimmy. I'd like to first of all say that I'm very pleased to see all the people who have stuck around here today. Through broadcasting, real estate, and The Troy Aikman Foundation, Aikman has quickly discovered numerous ways . Jason Garrett, my confidant and greatest ally on the field and quarterback meetings for the majority of my career. Jimmy's boldness set the tone for a young group of players who didn't know much about winning but were eager to learn. Of all those years, Norv and I were together for only three. Unfortunately, during his final two seasons, injuries began to take a toll on the Dallas quarterback and the team's winning ways. If you look at his greatest games, they came against the best teams and they came in the playoffs. I didn't seek it, and yet I'm here. Many of his numbers even fall short of Hall of Fame quarterbacks who played in less pass happy eras (pre-1980's). [3rd] Most Passing Attempts, Season - 473 (1992) [2nd] Highest Attempts/Sack Ratio, Season - 31.9 (1995) I . I owe so much of my success to UCLA and to my head coach there at the time, Terry Donahue. Yet it's our friendship that is most special because it has endured long after he stopped coaching me in Dallas. His impact on me was significant. I look forward to many return trips to the Canton area in the future years. So many other coaches are responsible for my development as a player. With Troy, you didn't have those "if's" and "why's." Alvin ran down the field inside the ten, and took Troy, himself, and the rest of the Cowboys right to the Super Bowl. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Terri and Tami were pretty good athletes themselves. It's a great honor and thrill to present to the Hall of Fame, Dallas quarterback, No. Thank you very much. [2nd] Most Times Sacked, Career - 259 It's fitting that he's the first of that group to enter the Hall of Fame. 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. [2nd] Most Times Sacked, Career - 259 [3rd] Most Passing Attempts, Season - 473 (1992) Super Bowls In closing, I'd like to share something that a close friend used to tell me back when I was playing. I, too, am saddened by the absence of Reggie White, an amazing player and even better man who left us far too soon. I wouldn't be here without you. What fans saw on Sundays, his teammates saw every day of the week. Passing Titles: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 19994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 They all made significant contributions to their teams, and that's why they're here. He knew the things he had to do to give his team the best chance to win. Click to go to the page with all the answers to 7 little words January 17 2023. That's it. Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) August 5, 2018 Aikman, who is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports showed the greatest respect for Kramer as he told him he would have loved to have him as a teammate. 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 Troy Aikman's statistics pale in comparison to his peers during his playing era. They all made significant contributions to their teams, and that's why they're here. Thank you, Norv. Full Name: Troy Kenneth Aikman. He's the big brother I never had. Alvin Harper ran a slant. That's it. And we've been told we're given 10 minutes for each inductee. Was one of the best offensive minds and greatest people that this game has ever known. 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. I was always proud to have him as well as Jeff Moorehead represent me during contract negotiations. [Tied for 1st] Most Touchdowns Passing, Game - 4 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo) Another one of Troy's real strengths was his ability to bring out the best in everyone around him. [2nd] Most Yards Gained, Game - 455 (vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 76.67 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 8, 1995) [1st] Most Touchdowns Passing, Game, Rookie - 4 (vs. L.A. Rams, Dec. 3, 1989) Troy's greater strength as a player was his ability to focus and stay focused in the most unusual circumstances. I was able to live a dream. [1st] Most Passing Attempts, Career - 4,715 The interviewer politely asked me why. During that 10 year era, Troy was the winningest quarterback in the National Football League. With Troy, you didn't have those "if's" and "why's." 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. 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