Troy Aikman Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Troy Aikman’s Net Worth and Salary: What Are They?

Retired NFL quarterback Troy Aikman, born in California, boasts a net worth of $65 million. Throughout his 12-season NFL tenure, he accumulated $55 million through salary and bonuses, in addition to earning tens of millions from endorsements. Aikman was selected by the Dallas Cowboys during the 1989 Draft and led the team to three Super Bowl championships. In 1992, he was honored with the Super Bowl MVP Award and made it to the Pro Bowls six times. He hung up his cleats in 2000, and in 2006, was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.

Following his retirement, Aikman embarked on a fruitful broadcasting career, initially working with the Fox network before transitioning to ESPN in a deal announced in February 2022. The lucrative five-year deal totals $90 million, translating to an annual salary of $18 million. In addition to broadcasting, Aikman has co-ownership of a NASCAR racing team and holds a minority stake in Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres.

Early Life

Troy Kenneth Aikman was born on November 21, 1966, in West Covina, California. At the age of 12, he relocated with his family to Henryetta, Oklahoma. While in Oklahoma, he played football for his high school team, showcasing his future star potential. During his high school years, he earned All-State honors in football and even won a state championship for typing.

Despite his talent in football, he received a contract offer from the New York Mets to pursue baseball immediately after high school. However, Troy opted for football, enrolling at the University of Oklahoma where he played under head coach Barry Switzer. Even as a freshman, he secured a starting position and led the Sooners to achieve several significant victories before an ankle injury curtailed his season, prompting his transfer to UCLA. There, he maintained his success and was ultimately inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

NFL Career

Aikman was selected as the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft, joining the Dallas Cowboys. Troy led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 1992, followed by another in 1993, and yet another title in 1995. His remarkable statistics persisted throughout the late 90s, but by 2000, he made the decision to retire. Initially, when speaking to the press, he shared that he had chosen to step away from playing.because he was unable to secure a spot on another team. Nevertheless, he disclosed in 2013 that the underlying reason for his retirement was due to ongoing injuries. More specifically, he was suffering from significant back problems that needed continuous treatment to alleviate chronic pain. Throughout his career, Aikman also endured multiple concussions, particularly in his final season; however, he asserts that these concussions did not influence his retirement choice.

Broadcasting Career

Upon retirement, Troy quickly began his career with the Fox network as a color commentator. He went on to win several Emmy Awards and currently hosts a weekly radio program.

NFL Earnings

Troy accumulated $27.4 million in base salary and $17.85 million in bonuses during his NFL tenure, leading to a cumulative total of $55.5 million. In 1993, he became the highest-paid player in the NFL, signing an 8-year contract worth $50 million which included an $11 million signing bonus. Adjusted for today’s inflation, that contract would translate to about $90 million, alongside an additional $20 million signing bonus. At the point of his retirement, he was earning $7.5 million annually.

Broadcasting Earnings

Initially, Aikman’s broadcasting salary was only $1 million per year. By 2019, this amount rose to $7.5 million annually, making him the highest-paid sports broadcaster globally. However, in 2020, Tony Romo surpassed this record with a CBS contract that paid him $17 million per year.

Come February 2022, Troy’s “Romo-FOMO” came to an end when he inked a lucrative broadcasting deal. This arrangement involved him leaving Fox for ESPN for a five-year contract worth $90 million, averaging around $18 million annually. In essence, this one contract is set to nearly double his total earnings from his entire NFL career by the time it concludes.

Racing

In 2005, Troy partnered with Roger Staubach, another former Cowboys quarterback, to create a NASCAR racing team named Hall of Fame Racing. Their initial drivers, Terry Labonte and Tony Raines, raced in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, beginning in 2006.

Personal Life

In 1993, Troy had a brief relationship with country music star Lorrie Morgan.

In 2000, he wed a publicist named Rhonda Worthey, and the couple welcomed two children before their divorce in 2011.

Aikman later became engaged to fashion entrepreneur Catherine Mooty, and they married in 2017. However, a June 2023 social media update suggested that Troy and Catherine had parted ways, with reports of him dating a new woman.

Rhonda Aikman

Divorce Settlement

From 2000 until 2011, Troy and Rhonda Aikman were married. Upon their divorce, they resided in a mansion they appraised at $27 million. In the divorce settlement, Troy compensated Rhonda for her share of the property, paid an additional $2 million in cash, and financed the acquisition of a new $1.5 million home within the same vicinity.

Real Estate

Troy was compelled to list the family’s longtime residence in Highland Park, Texas, for $27.54 million following his divorce in 2011. At that moment, it held the title of the priciest home for sale in Texas. Despite reducing the price to $14 million in 2012, he still faced challenges in finding a buyer. Presently, he continues to hold ownership of this property, which is situated on 1.45 acres and boasts 10,520 square feet of living space. Notable features include arched glass doors, a two-story atrium, a swimming pool, a basketball court, and expansive gardens.

In 2013, it came to light that Troy had acquired another property in the Highland Park area for $4.3 million. He subsequently sold this home in 2015 for $5.4 million. Nestled on one-third of an acre, this residence has over 10,700 square feet of living space and comprises four bedrooms. Additional features include a home theater, a wine cellar, and elegant French doors. The outdoor space also includes a pool and spa.