UCLA will retire the No. 8 jersey of College and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman at today’s game against Stanford at the Rose Bowl.
“Having my No. 8 UCLA jersey retired is something I will forever cherish,” said Aikman, who will be the ninth football player in UCLA history to have his number retired.
Aikman guided UCLA to a 20-4 record during the 1987 and 1988 seasons, concluding his career second in school history in passing yards, touchdown passes, completions and completion percentage.
Aikman was the first player chosen in the 1989 NFL draft and helped lead the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl championships. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and College Football Hall of Fame in 2008, one of three UCLA players to be enshrined in both Halls of Fame.
When Aikman was honored at halftime of the UCLA-Notre Dame basketball game in 2009 for his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, he announced to the crowd he had completed the requirements for his degree in sociology and participated in that year’s graduation ceremonies.
“Troy is the embodiment of what it means to be a Bruin,” UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero said. “He was a leader both on and off the field at UCLA and with the Dallas Cowboys while setting records and establishing a lofty standard of excellence for both teams. Most admirably, and most importantly, he has been an inspiration to countless people across all walks of life with the extensive work he has done in the community and with his pursuit, and ultimate completion, of a UCLA degree.
“We cannot think of a person more deserving of this tremendous honor than Troy.”
