Troy Aikman is one of only 13 players in the history of the National Football League draft to have gone from being the first overall pick of a draft to earning election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
1989 - TROY AIKMAN, QB, UCLA (DALLAS COWBOYS)
How the Cowboys landed the No. 1 pick:
The Cowboys once proud franchise was in a state of transition. Dallas finished with a 3-13 record in 1988 which marked the club’s worst record since going 0-11-1 in its 1960 inaugural season.
Scouting Aikman’s college career:
Rookie debut:
After missing five games due to a broken index finger, Aikman made his first start against the Phoenix Cardinals on Nov. 12, 1989. He threw for a rookie record 379 yards in that game. He was knocked unconscious after completing a 75-yard touchdown throw to James Dixon that put the Cowboys in the lead. Aikman started 11 games during his rookie season. He completed 155 of 293 passes for 1,749 yards, 9 TDs and 18 interceptions. Like many QBs, it was a difficult transition from college to the NFL as Aikman and the Cowboys went through tough times in 1989 to finish 1-15. However, the groundwork was laid for the future dynasty team that captured three Super Bowl titles.
NFL career highlights:
No quarterback in any decade of the history of the NFL had more wins than Aikman during the 1990s. HOF Bio>>>
Troy began his collegiate football career at Oklahoma before he transferred to UCLA. He guided the Bruins to a 10-2 mark and a win in the Cotton Bowl as a senior. Aikman’s performance at UCLA shed insight into his trademarked poise and character combined with accurate passing statistics. He finished his college career as the third highest rated passer in NCAA history.