He shared a close bond with his mother, Charlyn, who passed away in November 2022.
Highlights
- Troy Aikman had a tough relationship with his father, Kenneth, due to his strict parenting style, which made life at home “rarely pleasant.”
- Despite early foot problems and other challenges, Troy excelled as a high school and college quarterback, eventually leading the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories.
- Troy shared a close bond with his mother, Charlyn, before her passing in 2022.
- Troy has had two marriages, first to Rhonda Worthey and later to Catherine Mooty. Both marriages ended in divorce.
Troy Aikman, the former professional football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL and current sportscaster with ESPN’s “Monday Night Football,” was born on November 21, 1966, in West Covina, California.
The youngest of three children to parents Kenneth and Charlyn Aikman, Troy’s early years were spent in Cerritos, California until the family relocated to Henryetta, Oklahoma, when Troy was twelve.
"I love the Dallas Cowboys. I played there for 12 years. I wish them well but to say that it's a coveted job I'm not sure I would necessarily agree with that."
— ESPN (@espn) January 14, 2025
Cowboys legend Troy Aikman does not think coaches are lining up to come to Dallas 😲 pic.twitter.com/FRC0jmSm5Q
Troy Had A Difficult Relationship With His Father
Troy’s father, Kenneth Aikman worked as an oil field worker and rancher.
Known for his strong work ethic, Kenneth once continued working despite cutting off the tip of his finger.
This toughness extended to his parenting style, leading to a relationship with Troy that was often strained.
Troy has mentioned that life at home was “rarely pleasant” due to his father’s strictness.
Troy Shared A Close Bond With His Late Mother
Charlyn Aikman, Troy’s mother, was a homemaker dedicated to her family’s well-being.
Born in Long Beach, California, to Mark and Thomasin Bailey, she was known for her kindness and support.
Charlyn played a significant role in managing aspects of Troy’s career, including handling promotional merchandise and children’s charity items.
She passed away on November 9, 2022, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication to her family.
Troy Had A Difficult Childhood Growing Up In Oklahoma
Troy’s upbringing in Oklahoma was marked by challenges, including early foot problems that required casts and orthopedic shoes.
Despite these obstacles, he developed a passion for football, excelling as a quarterback at Henryetta High School.
His talent earned him a scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, where he began his collegiate career before transferring to UCLA.
At UCLA, Troy won the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s top quarterback, setting the stage for his professional career.
In 1989, Troy was selected first overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL Draft.
He became one of the game’s greatest quarterbacks, leading the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories and earning six Pro Bowl selections over his 12-season career.
After retiring from football in 2001, Troy transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a prominent NFL commentator.
Troy Credits His Discipline And Work Ethic To His Dad Despite Complicated Relationship
Despite his professional success, Troy’s relationship with his father remained complex.
Kenneth’s demanding nature and high expectations created a challenging environment during Troy’s formative years.
While Troy has acknowledged the work ethic instilled by his father, he has also alluded to the difficulties of their relationship, often choosing to keep details private.
In contrast, Troy shared a close bond with his mother, Charlyn, who provided unwavering support throughout his life and career.
Her passing was a significant loss for Troy and his family, as she had been a pillar of strength and compassion.
Today, he honors his parents’ legacy by being a compassionate father to his daughters.
Troy Has Been Married And Divorced Twice
On the personal front, Troy married Rhonda Worthey in 2000, and the couple had two daughters, Jordan and Alexa. However, they divorced in 2011.
In 2017, Troy married Catherine Mooty, a fashion retailer.
Catherine Mooty, also known as Capa Aikman, has two sons, Val and Luke, from her previous marriage to Jerry Mooty.
When Catherine married Troy Aikman in 2017, they blended their families.
However, Troy Aikman and Catherine Mooty are no longer together.
They officially divorced in 2020, although they kept the separation private for some time.
Additional Information
- Troy Aikman and fellow former Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach were co-owners of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team Hall of Fame Racing from 2005 to 2009.
- In high school, Troy Aikman won the 1983 Oklahoma state championship in typing.
- Despite his stellar performance in Super Bowl XXVII, where he was named MVP, Troy Aikman has no memory of playing in the game due to a concussion.
