Troy Aikman: From Football Star To Broadcasting Legend

Troy Aikman's Financial Empire: Net Worth and Salary

Let’s talk about Troy Aikman, the legendary quarterback from California who’s now worth a staggering $65 million. Over his 12-year NFL career, Aikman raked in $55 million in salary and bonuses, not to mention the millions more he earned through endorsements. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, Troy led them to three Super Bowl victories, earning the Super Bowl MVP Award in 1992. He was also named to the Pro Bowl six times before hanging up his cleats in 2000. In 2006, he was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, sealing his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in history.

After retiring, Troy didn’t miss a beat. He transitioned into broadcasting, working with Fox for years until a blockbuster deal with ESPN was announced in February 2022. This five-year, $90 million contract equates to a cool $18 million per year. But that’s not all—he’s also co-owned a NASCAR racing team and holds a minority stake in the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball. Talk about diversifying your portfolio!

Early Days: Troy's Journey to the Big Leagues

Troy Kenneth Aikman was born on November 21, 1966, in West Covina, California. His life took an interesting turn at the age of 12 when his family moved to Henryetta, Oklahoma. There, he started playing high school football, where he quickly established himself as a future star. By the time he graduated, Troy had earned All-State honors for football and even won a state championship in typing—a skill that surely came in handy when managing his business ventures later on!

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Believe it or not, Troy was offered a contract with the New York Mets to play baseball right out of high school. But he chose football instead, heading to the University of Oklahoma to play under the legendary Barry Switzer. As a freshman, he stepped into the starting role and led the Sooners to some incredible victories. Unfortunately, an ankle injury cut his season short, prompting him to transfer to UCLA, where he continued to shine. His college success earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

On the Field: Troy's NFL Career

Aikman was the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft, drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. In 1992, he led the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl victory since the '70s. The momentum continued with another win in 1993 and a third championship in 1995. Troy’s stats were nothing short of impressive, but by 2000, he decided it was time to call it quits. At first, he told the press he couldn’t find another team, but in 2013, he revealed the truth: persistent injuries, particularly in his back, were taking a toll. Not to mention, he suffered several concussions during his last season, though he insists they didn’t factor into his decision to retire.

Broadcasting Stardom: Troy's Second Act

After hanging up his jersey, Troy seamlessly transitioned into broadcasting. He became a color commentator for Fox, quickly earning multiple Emmy Awards and even hosting a weekly radio show. His broadcasting career skyrocketed, making him the highest-paid sports broadcaster in the world by 2019, with a salary of $7.5 million per year. However, in February 2022, Troy made headlines again when he signed a massive $90 million deal with ESPN over five years, bumping his annual salary to $18 million. This contract alone will nearly double his entire NFL earnings by the time it wraps up.

NFL Earnings: Troy's Financial Foundation

During his NFL days, Troy earned $27.4 million in base salary and $17.85 million in bonuses, totaling $55.5 million. Back in 1993, he was the NFL’s highest-paid player thanks to an eight-year, $50 million contract that included an $11 million signing bonus. Adjusted for inflation, that deal would be worth about $90 million today, with a $20 million bonus. When he retired, his salary was $7.5 million per year, setting the stage for his future financial success.

Broadcasting Earnings: Troy's Newfound Wealth

When Troy first started in broadcasting, he was earning just $1 million per year. Fast forward to 2019, and his salary had jumped to $7.5 million annually, making him the highest-paid sports broadcaster globally—until Tony Romo surpassed him in 2020 with a $17 million-per-year deal. But Troy didn’t stay out of the spotlight for long. In February 2022, he signed a mega-deal with ESPN worth $90 million over five years. That’s roughly $18 million per year, meaning Troy will nearly double his entire NFL earnings by the time this contract ends.

Racing Adventures: Troy's Side Hustle

In 2005, Troy teamed up with another Dallas Cowboys legend, Roger Staubach, to form Hall of Fame Racing, a NASCAR racing team. With drivers like Terry Labonte and Tony Raines, they competed in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series in 2006. It was a natural extension of Troy’s love for competition and high-stakes action.

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Personal Life: Troy's Relationships and Family

Troy’s personal life has been just as interesting as his professional one. Back in 1993, he dated country singer Lorrie Morgan for a year. Then, in 2000, he married publicist Rhonda Worthey, and the couple had two children together. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce in 2011. Troy later found love again with fashion retailer Catherine Mooty, and the two tied the knot in 2017. However, in June 2023, social media posts suggested that Troy and Catherine had parted ways, and he was reportedly seeing someone new.

Rhonda Aikman Divorce Settlement: The Financial Details

Troy and Rhonda Aikman were married from 2000 to 2011. When they divorced, their $27 million mansion became a central point of contention. As part of the settlement, Troy bought out Rhonda’s share of the home, paid her $2 million in cash, and even funded the purchase of a new $1.5 million home nearby. It was a clean break, but it came at a significant financial cost.

Real Estate: Troy's Luxurious Homes

In 2011, Troy was forced to list his longtime home in Highland Park, Texas, for $27.54 million due to his divorce. At the time, it was the most expensive home on the Texas market. Despite lowering the price to $14 million in 2012, it remained unsold. To this day, Troy still owns the property, which spans 1.45 acres and boasts 10,520 square feet of living space. The home features arched glass doors, a double-story atrium, a pool, a basketball court, and lush gardens.

Not one to shy away from real estate investments, Troy purchased another home in Highland Park in 2013 for $4.3 million. He sold it in 2015 for $5.4 million, turning a tidy profit. This residence sits on one-third of an acre, offering over 10,700 square feet of living space with four bedrooms. Other highlights include a home theater, wine cellar, and French doors. Outside, there’s a pool and spa, making it the perfect retreat for relaxation and entertaining.