What is Troy Aikman's Net Worth and Salary?
Troy Aikman, a California-born retired NFL quarterback, has a net worth of $65 million. During his 12-season NFL career, Aikman earned $55 million in salary and bonuses, and tens of millions more from endorsements. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, he led the team to three Super Bowl titles and was the Super Bowl MVP in 1992. Named to the Pro Bowl six times, he retired in 2000 and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2006.
Post-retirement, Aikman built a successful broadcasting career. He worked with Fox before moving to ESPN in 2022 under a 5-year, $90 million deal, which translates to $18 million per year. Additionally, Aikman co-owns a NASCAR racing team and holds a minority stake in the San Diego Padres.
Early Life
Troy Kenneth Aikman was born on November 21, 1966, in West Covina, California. His family moved to Henryetta, Oklahoma, when he was 12. In high school, he excelled in football, earning All-State honors and a state championship in typing.
Though talented in football, Aikman received a contract offer to play baseball for the New York Mets after high school. He chose football, attending the University of Oklahoma and playing under head coach Barry Switzer. Aikman transferred to UCLA after an ankle injury and continued his strong performance, eventually earning a place in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
NFL Career
Aikman was the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft and joined the Dallas Cowboys. He led the team to three Super Bowl victories (1992, 1993, 1995). Despite ongoing success, he retired in 2000 due to persistent injuries, including serious back issues and concussions.
Broadcasting Career
After retiring from the NFL, Aikman joined the Fox network as a color commentator, receiving several Emmy Awards and hosting a weekly radio show. His salary increased significantly over the years, reaching $7.5 million per year by 2019. In 2022, he signed a $90 million deal with ESPN, earning $18 million annually.
NFL Earnings
During his NFL career, Aikman earned $27.4 million in base salary and $17.85 million in bonuses, totaling $55.5 million. His peak contract in 1993 was worth $50 million over eight years, including an $11 million signing bonus, making him the highest-paid player at the time.
Broadcasting Earnings
Early in his broadcasting career, Aikman earned $1 million annually. By 2019, his salary rose to $7.5 million per year, making him the highest-paid sports broadcaster until Tony Romo surpassed him in 2020. Aikman's ESPN contract in 2022 ensures he will nearly double his NFL career earnings by 2027.
Racing
In 2005, Aikman teamed up with fellow Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach to form a NASCAR racing team called Hall of Fame Racing. They competed in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series in 2006, with drivers Terry Labonte and Tony Raines.
Personal Life
Aikman dated country singer Lorrie Morgan in 1993. He married publicist Rhonda Worthey in 2000, and they had two children before divorcing in 2011. Aikman later married fashion retailer Catherine Mooty in 2017, although they reportedly split in June 2023.
Rhonda Aikman Divorce Settlement
Troy and Rhonda Aikman divorced in 2011. Troy paid Rhonda for her half of their $27 million mansion, gave her $2 million in cash, and funded the purchase of a new $1.5 million home.
Real Estate
Following his divorce, Aikman listed his $27.54 million Highland Park, Texas home in 2011. The listing was reduced to $14 million in 2012 but remains unsold. The property includes 10,520 square feet of living space, a pool, a basketball court, and extensive gardens.
In 2013, Aikman purchased another Highland Park home for $4.3 million, selling it in 2015 for $5.4 million. This property included over 10,700 square feet of living space, a home theater, a wine cellar, and a pool and spa.