NFL broadcaster Troy Aikman was not pleased with the Indianapolis Colts' display of inept offense during Monday night's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. "Why did they throw the ball in that situation? 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. So many other coaches are responsible for my development as a player. Irsay replaced Reich with former Colts center Jeff Saturday on an interim basis. 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. Some guard against overconfidence. Thank you very much. Aikman's 22 of 30 for 273 yards passing and four touchdowns earned him Super Bowl MVP honors. "Why did they throw the ball in that situation? I'm also honored to have Norv Turner here today as my presenter. [Tied for 1st] Most Passes Intercepted, Game - 5 (at N.Y. Giants, Oct. 15, 2000) You know what I'm talking about. My father, Ken, taught me early on that through hard work I could achieve anything I wanted in life. 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. He still ranks as the fourth highest rated passer in NCAA history. Super Bowls were more important than statistics. I know it's hot. He meant that much to my career and to the Dallas Cowboys. 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. Aikman's 22 of 30 for 273 yards passing and four touchdowns earned him Super Bowl MVP honors. I started playing football at the age of seven and retired when I was 34. I'm so grateful to the NFL, to the Cowboys, to my teammates, and to my coaches, for helping me get here. I was also lucky to grow up with two terrific sisters, at least most of the time (smiling). I was always proud to have him as well as Jeff Moorehead represent me during contract negotiations. I know it's hot. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, I told them I'd choose Troy. He had been slammed to the turf at the Vet by Clyde Simmons. Jason Garrett, my confidant and greatest ally on the field and quarterback meetings for the majority of my career. 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. [3rd] Most Passing Attempts, No Interceptions, Game - 45 (vs. Washington, Nov. 16, 1997) 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. It makes me proud to be in their company today. Troy Aikman was the Dallas Cowboys QB from 1989-2000. He didn't laugh. [2nd] Most Passing Attempts, Season - 518 (1997) The older I get, the more I understand how much you sacrificed, and your children will forever be indebted to you. [3rd] Most Pass Completions, Season - 296 (1996) [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) In Dallas, my role as the quarterback was to move our team down the field and score points. That's it. 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. Troy's teammates would tell you he was a leader of those great Dallas teams of the '90s. 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. Passing Touchdown Leader: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 1997 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Ernie, I say thank you for everything. [1st] Most Passing Attempts, Game - 57 (vs. Minnesota, Nov. 26, 1998) Thank you. Today Troy is being honored as one of the greatest players ever. 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. The first is Leigh Steinberg. During that time we became great friends and won two Super Bowls. Thank you, Strapper. Super Bowls Thank you, Norv. 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. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Career - 320 It was a signature moment in NFL history. Troy's greater strength as a player was his ability to focus and stay focused in the most unusual circumstances. Passing Titles: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 19994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 I wouldn't be here without you. [1st] Most Passing Attempts, No Interceptions, Game - 34 (at San Francisco, Jan. 17, 1993) [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Rookie Season - 52.9 (1989) [3rd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 80.8 (at N.Y. Giants, Sept. 30, 1990) 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. 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. I know it's hot. Super Bowls were more important than statistics. Thank you. [2nd] Most Pass Completions, Game - 30 (at San Francisco, Jan. 15, 1995) [2nd] Most Passes Intercepted, Career - 17 My intensity on the field was a reflection of you and your impact on my athletic career was greater than you'll ever know. That's what he was about then, and still is to this day. Coach Donahue, thank you for providing me an opportunity at UCLA and having such a positive influence on my life. Thank you 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. [1st] Most Seasons, 3,000 or More Passing Yards - 5 (1992-93, 1995-97) The former NFL MVP finished the game with 199 passing yards, one touchdown and an interception. Was one of the best offensive minds and greatest people that this game has ever known. Ernie, I say thank you for everything. John Madden coached the game the same way. I thank both of you for all the support and love you've shown me through the years. Then of course there was Jimmy. Over the last three days we've been here, the hospitality that they've shown myself and family has been nothing short of spectacular. The interviewer politely asked me why. I always took great pride in being a part of the triplets with Michael and Emmitt. Troy was driven to be the best, and he expected the same from everyone around him. Terri and Tami were pretty good athletes themselves. Jason Garrett, my confidant and greatest ally on the field and quarterback meetings for the majority of my career. In an era of super egos, he never let his get in the way of winning. [2nd] Most Passing Attempts, Season - 518 (1997) Thank you for the hospitality and thank you for the courtesy you've shown me and my family. Birthdate: November 21, 1966. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. I didn't seek it, and yet I'm here. The Cowboys hadn't been awful before Aikman was drafted, but they were a decade removed from their last Super Bowl championship. And I thank him for having the biggest single influence on my career. It's said you're judged by the company you keep. He was recovering from shoulder surgery. [3rd] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Game - 73.33 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo) [1st] Most Passes Intercepted, Career - 141 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. [3rd] Most Pass Completions, Game - 28 (vs. Green Bay, Jan. 16, 1994) [Tied for 1st] Most Passes Intercepted, Game - 5 (at N.Y. Giants, Oct. 15, 2000) If that's true, I'm in great standing today. It was very difficult coaching against Troy and the Cowboys the next seven years. [1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Rookie Season - 52.9 (1989) [1st] Most Passing Yards Gained, Game - 380 (at San Francisco, Jan. 15, 1995) 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. I thank him for his support throughout my career. 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. As talented as all of these players were, however, they were even better teammates. 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 was also protected for many years by one of the best offensive lines of all time. Thank you, Norv. If that's true, I'm in great standing today. 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. [Tied for 3rd] Most Touchdown Passes, Game - 4 (SB XXVII, vs. Buffalo), [2nd] Longest Pass Completion - 94 (to Alvin Harper, vs. Green Bay, 1994) Although it wasn't one that allowed me to put up big numbers, that was fine. Football is a great game that has afforded me many things and provided much happiness. [2nd] Lowest Percentage, Passes Intercepted, Career - 1.25 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. 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame All Rights Reserved. Sometimes that meant passing the ball, sometimes it meant handing it off. Joe has been a great friend to me and my family for many years. Terri and Tami were pretty good athletes themselves. I was also fortunate to have played for a franchise whose owner was as committed to winning as anybody on the field. You taught me about discipline, toughness, and life's most important lesson: To never quit. [1st] Most Passing Attempts, Career - 4,715 Finally, after the 2000 season, the Cowboys' six-time Pro Bowl selection announced his retirement from football. During that 10 year era, Troy was the winningest quarterback in the National Football League. On Thursday night, however, the FOX Sports announcer was left lost for words after he found out. 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. Troy Aikman Former Dallas Cowboys Quarterback & NFL Hall of Fame Inductee; Emmy-Nominated Commentator on Fox Sports Troy Aikman has harnessed the drive and dedication that formed the foundation of his Hall of Fame football career with the Dallas Cowboys in numerous successful business ventures since retiring from the game following the 2000 season. John Madden coached the game the same way. Aikman made the. Troy Aikman: Joe Burrow has 'that edge to him'. 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. In an era of super egos, he never let his get in the way of winning. Alvin ran down the field inside the ten, and took Troy, himself, and the rest of the Cowboys right to the Super Bowl. A high school coach once told me, In life you have a lot of acquaintances but very few friends. 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