Troy Aikman’s net worth in 2024 reflects his legendary NFL career and intelligent investments. With three Super Bowl wins, broadcasting deals, and business ventures, his financial journey is a testament to his success. Dive into NFL Player Fortune’s in-depth analysis of his earnings, contracts, and wealth growth.
Troy Aikman Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Troy Kenneth Aikman |
| Popular Name | Troy Aikman |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | November 21, 1966 |
| Age | 58 (in 2024) |
| Parents | Kenneth Aikman (father), Charlyn Aikman (mother) |
| Siblings | Two sisters |
| Birthplace | West Covina, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Wife/Spouse | Catherine Mooty (m. 2017–2023), Rhonda Worthey (m. 2000–2011) |
| Children | Two daughters |
| Net Worth | $65 million |
| Height | 6’4” |
| Weight | 219 lbs |
| Number (No) | 8 |
| Career Information | Henryetta High School, UCLA (College), 1989 NFL Draft |
| Career History | Dallas Cowboys (1989–2000) |
| Career Highlights & Awards | 3x Super Bowl Champion, Super Bowl XXVII MVP, 6x Pro Bowl |
| Career NFL Statistics | 32,942 passing yards, 165 TDs, 81.6 passer rating |
| Medal Record | Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction (2006) |
What is the Net Worth of Troy Aikman in 2024?
Troy Aikman’s net worth in 2024 stands at an impressive $65 million due to his storied NFL career and post-retirement ventures. Compared to other NFL legends of his era, Aikman’s wealth places him among the financial elite:
- Brett Favre: $100 million, leveraging extensive endorsements and post-career projects.
- Steve Young: $200 million, driven by savvy investments and media roles.
- Joe Montana: $150 million, with significant endorsements and business growth.
- John Elway: $145 million, bolstered by ownership stakes and entrepreneurial pursuits.
While Aikman’s net worth is lower than those of these players, his consistent income from broadcasting and investments continues to elevate his financial standing. His success story exemplifies clever transitions from professional sports to diversified ventures.
What is Troy Aikman’s salary/income in 2024?
Troy Aikman’s income in 2024 remains robust, fueled mainly by his lucrative broadcasting contract with ESPN. Signed in 2022, the deal secures him an $18 million annual salary as the lead analyst for Monday Night Football.
- Career Highlights:
- NFL earnings: $55.5 million from contracts with the Dallas Cowboys.
- His post-retirement broadcasting salary now exceeds his total NFL earnings.
- Endorsements:
- Deals with Wingstop, Rent-a-Center, and his beer brand, “Eight.”
- Lifetime endorsement earnings are estimated in the tens of millions.
- Key Financial Factors:
- Steady income from media appearances and endorsements.
- Diversified business investments, including a minority stake in the San Diego Padres and his now-defunct NASCAR venture, Hall of Fame Racing.
These streams ensure his financial stability and growth, setting him apart as a model for athletes seeking long-term prosperity.
How Much Did Troy Aikman Earn in His NFL Career?
Over 12 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Aikman amassed $55,537,000 in career earnings, primarily through salaries, signing bonuses, and performance incentives. Thanks to a groundbreaking contract extension, he became the highest-paid NFL player in 1993. His financial success didn’t stop with football—post-retirement broadcasting and business ventures have significantly added to his wealth.
Breakdown of Troy Aikman’s NFL Contracts
Three major contracts shaped Aikman’s earnings:
- 1989 Rookie Contract: His first NFL contract totaled $11,037,000 over six years, with an APY (average per year) of $1,839,500. It included a signing bonus of $5,787,000, providing him substantial early-career financial security.
- 1993 Extension: Aikman signed a six-year, $40,250,000 extension, increasing his APY to $6,708,333. This contract included $8,250,000 in guaranteed money and made him the highest-paid player in the league then.
- 1999 Contract: His final extension, a six-year, $64,500,000 deal, raised his APY to $10,750,000. Despite this, the contract was terminated early in 2001 due to injuries and salary cap constraints.
Salary Breakdown Over the Years
Aikman’s salary structure included a mix of base salaries and bonuses. Here’s a snapshot of his yearly earnings:
| Year | Base Salary | Prorated Bonus | Total Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | $787,000 | $458,333 | $3,537,000 |
| 1993 | $2,500,000 | $1,489,583 | $10,750,000 |
| 1999 | $3,000,000 | $3,665,892 | $16,000,000 |
| 2000 | $2,250,000 | $3,665,892 | $5,915,892 |
His most significant cash payment occurred in 1999, with $16,000,000 earned through salary and bonuses.
Impact on the Dallas Cowboys’ Salary Cap
Aikman’s contracts had a significant impact on the Cowboys’ salary cap, particularly in his final years:
- 1999 Cap Number: $6,665,892, accounting for 11.6% of the team’s total cap.
- Dead Money: After his retirement, Aikman’s contract left the Cowboys with $10,063,216 in dead money, reflecting the cost of prorated bonuses not covered by his playing tenure.
Despite these high cap hits, his performance on the field justified the investment, bringing three Super Bowl titles to Dallas.
Cash Flow and Career Payouts
Aikman’s total career cash flow includes yearly payouts from salaries and bonuses. His early contracts provided stability, while later extensions maximized his financial potential. By the end of his NFL career, he had earned:
- $27,407,000 in base salary.
- $17,852,949 in prorated bonuses.
- A total of $55,537,000, a figure that places him among the highest earners of his era.
Broadcasting and Post-NFL Earnings
After retiring in 2001, Aikman transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting. Initially earning $1,000,000 annually with Fox, his earnings grew significantly over time:
- By 2019, he earned $7,500,000 annually, becoming the highest-paid sports broadcaster.
- In 2022, he signed a five-year, $90,000,000 contract with ESPN, earning $18,000,000 annually.
This broadcasting income has nearly doubled his NFL earnings, cementing his financial legacy.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Aikman’s off-field ventures have also contributed to his wealth:
- Endorsements: Partnerships with brands like Wingstop and Acme Brick provided additional income.
- Business Ownership: He co-owned Hall of Fame Racing, a NASCAR team, and holds a minority stake in the San Diego Padres.
- Entrepreneurship: In 2022, Aikman launched Eight, a light beer brand that further diversified his financial portfolio.
Financial Milestones and Achievements
Several milestones define Aikman’s financial journey:
- 1993: Became the NFL’s highest-paid player.
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction: Elevated his marketability and long-term earning potential.
- Post-NFL Success: Leveraged his fame to excel in broadcasting and business.
Real Estate Holdings
Aikman has invested significantly in real estate, further solidifying his wealth:
- Highland Park Mansion: Originally listed for $27.54 million, this property remains a centerpiece of his portfolio.
- 2013 Purchase: Bought another Highland Park property for $4.3 million, later selling it for $5.4 million.
These investments reflect Aikman’s strategic approach to wealth management.
Overview of Troy Aikman
Troy Aikman’s NFL career journey is one of grit, determination, and exceptional achievements. From humble beginnings in Oklahoma to becoming a household name as a Dallas Cowboys legend, Aikman’s story captures the essence of football greatness. His accomplishments extend far beyond the field, with three Super Bowl victories, a Pro Football Hall of Fame induction, and a second career in broadcasting. This NFL quarterback’s career overview details his early life, career highlights, and financial milestones, brought to you by NFL Player Fortune.
Early Life
Born on November 21, 1966, in West Covina, California, Troy Kenneth Aikman spent the first part of his childhood in Cerritos, California. At age 12, his family moved to Henryetta, Oklahoma, where Aikman’s athletic potential began to shine. He excelled in football and baseball at Henryetta High School, earning All-State honors in football. Aikman was also crowned the Oklahoma high school state typing champion in 1983, demonstrating his varied talents.
Despite receiving a contract offer from the New York Mets to play baseball, Aikman chose football, which would shape his future as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
College Career
Aikman began his college football journey at the University of Oklahoma, becoming the first freshman quarterback to start for the team since World War II. However, an injury during his sophomore season led to his transfer to UCLA, where he thrived under coach Terry Donahue.
At UCLA, Aikman’s passing skills flourished, earning him recognition as the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year. He led the Bruins to a 20–4 record over two seasons, capped off by victories in the Aloha Bowl and the Cotton Bowl Classic. In his senior year, Aikman received the prestigious Davey O’Brien Award, solidifying his place among the best quarterbacks in college football.
College Statistics
| Season | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Completion Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | 2,527 | 17 | 65.2% |
| 1988 | 2,771 | 24 | 64.4% |
| Career | 5,781 | 42 | 63.3% |
Aikman’s impressive statistics, including a career completion percentage of 63.3%, helped him secure a third-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1988. His dominance on the field culminated in his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
Awards and Honors
- College Football:
- Davey O’Brien Award (1988)
- Consensus All-American (1988)
- Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year (1987)
- College Football Hall of Fame Induction (2008)
- NFL:
- Super Bowl XXVII MVP
- Six Pro Bowl selections (1991–1996)
- Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2006)
- Team Honors:
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor Induction (2005)
Professional Career
Aikman was selected first overall in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. His rookie season posed challenges, as the Cowboys finished 0–11 with Aikman as a starter. However, the tide turned as he developed alongside teammates Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin, forming the iconic trio “The Triplets.”
Career Highlights:
- Led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles (1992, 1993, 1995).
- Earned the Super Bowl XXVII MVP title for his stellar performance.
- He signed an 8-year, $50 million contract in 1993, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL.
Post-retirement, Aikman transitioned to broadcasting, joining Fox Sports in 2001. In 2022, he signed a lucrative 5-year, $90 million deal with ESPN as the lead analyst for Monday Night Football.
NFL Career Statistics
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 165 |
| Passing Yards | 32,942 |
| Touchdowns | 165 |
| Interceptions | 141 |
| Completion % | 61.5% |
| Passer Rating | 81.6 |
| Postseason Yards | 3,849 |
| Postseason TDs | 23 |
Aikman’s consistent performance during the 1990s made him one of the most reliable quarterbacks of his era, earning him 90 wins in the decade—an NFL record at the time.
NFL Records
- Most wins by a quarterback in a decade (1990s): 90
- NFL Playoff Record: 89 consecutive passes without an interception
- Three Super Bowl wins as the starting quarterback for the Cowboys.
These accomplishments cemented Aikman’s legacy as one of the most impactful players in NFL history.
Personal Life
Aikman has built a fulfilling life centered on family and philanthropy off the field. He married Rhonda Worthey in 2000, and he has two daughters. Following their divorce in 2011, he married Catherine Mooty in 2017, though they separated in 2023.
Charitable Work and Ventures:
- Troy Aikman Foundation: Focuses on improving children’s lives, with recent efforts supporting children’s hospitals.
- Minority owner of the San Diego Padres.
- Co-founder of Hall of Fame Racing (2005–2009).
- Launched his beer brand, Eight, in 2022.
Aikman’s contributions extend beyond football, exemplifying leadership in both sports and business.
Conclusion:
Troy Aikman’s financial legacy reflects his brilliance on and off the field. Explore more NFL player insights, like Troy’s, at NFL Player Fortune. Share your thoughts or comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
