Troy Aikman's Mom – The Woman Behind The Legend

Introduction

Troy Aikman is a name that needs no introduction in the world of American football. He is a former quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He won three Super Bowl championships with the Dallas Cowboys and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. But, behind every successful man, there is a woman. In this article, we will be discussing Troy Aikman’s mom, the woman who played a significant role in shaping the life and career of this legendary football player.

Early Life

Charlyn Aikman was born on September 30, 1940, in West Texas. She grew up in a small town called Gainesville, Texas. Her parents were hardworking farmers who instilled in her the values of hard work and perseverance. Charlyn was a bright student and was very active in sports during her high school years.

Marriage and Family

Charlyn married Kenneth Aikman in 1962, and the couple had two children, Troy and Tammy. Kenneth was a firefighter, and the family moved around a lot due to his job. They eventually settled in Henryetta, Oklahoma, where Troy spent most of his childhood.

Early Influence on Troy

Charlyn was a very supportive mother who encouraged her children to pursue their dreams. She recognized Troy’s love for football at an early age and did everything she could to support his passion. Charlyn would often drive Troy to his football games, even if they were hours away from their home.

Work Ethic

Charlyn instilled in Troy the importance of hard work and dedication. She would often tell him, “Anything worth having is worth working hard for.” Troy took this advice to heart and worked tirelessly to become a better football player.

Discipline

Charlyn was also a disciplinarian. She set strict rules for her children and made sure they followed them. Troy was not allowed to play football if he did not maintain good grades. Charlyn believed that education was just as important as sports.

The Tragic Accident

In 1975, when Troy was only 9 years old, Kenneth Aikman died in a tragic accident. Charlyn was left to raise Troy and Tammy on her own. She worked hard to provide for her family and ensured that her children never went without.

Support System

Charlyn leaned on her family and friends for support during this difficult time. She also relied on her faith to get her through the tough times. Charlyn made sure that Troy and Tammy continued to pursue their dreams, despite the tragedy they had faced.

Troy’s Football Career

Troy Aikman’s football career started in high school, where he was a star quarterback. He went on to play college football at the University of Oklahoma and later transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). In 1989, Troy was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, and the rest is history.

Supporting Her Son

Charlyn was Troy’s biggest fan throughout his football career. She would attend all of his games, both home and away. Charlyn was often seen on the sidelines, cheering on her son and the Dallas Cowboys.

Retirement and Beyond

Troy retired from football in 2001 and went on to become a successful sports broadcaster. Charlyn continued to support her son in his new career, and they remained very close.

Conclusion

Charlyn Aikman played a significant role in shaping the life and career of her son, Troy. She instilled in him the values of hard work, dedication, and discipline. Charlyn was a strong and supportive mother who never gave up on her children, even in the face of tragedy. Her influence on Troy can be seen in his success both on and off the football field. Charlyn Aikman will always be remembered as the woman behind the legend.