Troy Aikman

Troy Aikman

When most people think of a professional quarterback, the first thing that comes to mind is an athletic jock that can throw a football. The thoughts of a care giver or a true leader are only an afterthought. However, when people hear the name Troy Aikman, the words of a leader and activist come to mind immediately. Being a California native, Troy developed an early love of sports. Throughout high school and college he played as the starting quarterback at both the University of Oklahoma and UCLA. In 1989, Troy was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys and was their starting quarterback until his retirement in 2001. Since his retirement from football, he has established a children foundation and has volunteered his time on the Board of Directors for two major charities. Troy Aikman, throughout his life, has demonstrated the attributes of being a hero dedicating his time to worthy causes and portraying the qualities of a true leader.

Troy Aikman, named Troy Kenneth Aikman, was born on November 22, 1966 in Cerritos, California. As a young boy he enjoyed playing sports such as football and baseball. When Troy turned 12, his family moved to the small town of Henryetta, Oklahoma where he eventually grew up to play high school football. Later in college, Troy played as the quarterback for both The University of Oklahoma and UCLA. In 1989, the Dallas Cowboys drafted Troy Aikman as their starting quarterback. In 11 years, Troy managed to win the team 3 super bowls and led as the offensive MVP for three years. In 1992, Troy founded the Troy Aikman Foundation for children with minor or major disabilities. At his retirement in 2001, Troy Aikman held 47 records as the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Five years after his retirement, Troy teamed up with Hall of Fame racer, Roger Staubach, for the racing season of 2006. Currently, Troy is still racing with the Staubach team and is spending most of his time as a FOX Sports color analyst.

Troy Aikman

Troy Aikman displays the quality of being a leader, not a follower. “Once Troy became the number 1 draft pick for the Dallas Cowboys he was able to lead the team to three super bowl victories in four years” (“Aikman”, DIS Covering). As a quarterback, he’s put in the position of calling the plays and making quick decisions. Being the #1 draft pick, this quote demonstrates Troy’s desire to play at his fullest potential. Superbowls cannot be won by strength and endurance alone but by a strong leader and his powerful team. “After his wins, Troy explains that ‘I understand my place in the world and where football fits...I’m very content with who I am and what I am. I’m not trying to be something I’m not” (“Aikman”, UXL Biographies). This honest quote by Troy Aikman is significant because it shows his limitations and accountability to his teammates. He’s not trying to be something he’s not. He's content with his place in the world. As a leader, Troy Aikman demonstrates that even an average man with average abilities can be different but still make a difference through effort.

Donating his time and through dedication, Troy Aikman has been able to impact and contribute to changing people’s lives. In an article, the author describes Troy as a “true hero in Henryetta where they’ve named a street after him. He has also contributed money to build a health and fitness center for the local school” (“Aikman”, UXL Biographies). This quote describes one of his attributes of being generous. Donating part of his own salary, Troy dedicated his time, money and influence to building sports facilities and helping those in need. A hero acknowledges his responsibility to give back to a community to help fulfill a young child dream. A biography about Troy portrays him as “a real hero. In 1992, Troy formed the Troy Aikman Foundation for young kids with disabilities. He is also involved in two major charities including Sharp and Mercy Hospital” (Hollandsworth). This shows Troy has a heart for children and shows effort to be involved. He has dedicated his life to helping young children and families in their time of need. Lending his name and time to these foundations, a hero’s job is not only to lead his team but to help them when help is needed. Troy’s goal is to bring awareness to disabilities and to encourage them with hope.

The Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Troy Aikman

Troy Aikman is in the spotlight because of his occupation as a professional quarterback. In this revealing quote, the author states,” At age 14, when most boys dream of playing quarterback…Troy was actually doing it” (“Aikman”, DIS Covering). Troy serves as an inspiration to young football players and this quote describes Troy as a strong, intense quarterback. “You could draw up the perfect quarterback-someone who can run, throw, is intense, has a good body size, a winning attitude-and Troy’s got it all” (“Aikman”, DIS Covering). To his team, Troy demonstrates that even an average man can fulfill his dreams and inspire an entire football team. All of these are qualities of a true leader and give him the respect of his teammates and peers. Being an admirable and inspirational man, is just one of the many qualities Troy possesses. Instead of living a life of mediocrity, he pursued and forged his own imprint and style of heroism.