Troy Aikman

I had the privilege to meet Troy a few times. He seemed like a guy who was taught not to talk to strangers. I’ve met much friendlier football players. Which lead me to ask his fellow teammates, what is he really like? Most thought when Dallas lost a game it was hard for Troy to put it aside and move forward to winning the next game. Although Troy is a Pro Football Hall of Famer, it sure didn’t hurt having such people as Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith on your side.

During an autograph signing I got to visually watch him in action around people. People he didn't know. After an hour or so, with a line of a hundred or more fans waiting to see him, Troy expressed to the staff; he’d had enough. I was standing next to him. The staff announced he was feeling sick. I can’t tell you how much it cost the men standing in line to get an autograph that never happened. Talk about disappointment. Troy could of used a few lessons from Mark Maddox of the Giants, Larry Homes, or Sugar Ray Leonard, who have always been happy to sign till the line has ended, regardless.

There’s not a question about his ability in football or that he could land a ball perfectly in the hands of his receivers. He excelled at the sport. However, I enjoy him more as a sportscaster. He’s more at ease with himself without the presser that comes with the sport.