\
NFL legend Troy Aikman has opened up on the tough moments in his life, including the time he hit “rock bottom”.
It may seem like Aikman has had it all in his storied life, including 12 seasons as a brilliant quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, which included three Super Bowl victories.
2
2
Since retiring, he has had an accomplished career as a broadcaster.
But as so often the reality isn’t all sunshine, as Aikman told the New York Times.
He focused on recalling the time his second marriage, to Catherine Mooty, was falling apart.
“A failure,” Aikman calls it. “That was my rock bottom.
“For me, contentment was always a four-letter word.
“I never wanted to be content. I didn’t wanna be around anyone who was content. That’s just not a place I could land.”
Aikman also says it’s taken a long time to become more content in his life.
“It’s taken decades,” Aikman admits.
“Not to get weird on you, but it’s taken a lot of personal work, finding it within myself to give myself grace.
“There was a lot of, ‘Why do I feel this way?’ There’s also been a curiosity that’s allowed me to unlock a lot of locked doors.”
Aikman has worked alongside Joe Buck on television for two decades.
The pair called ESPN’s first Monday Night Football game of the season this week, between the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets.
And although nothing replaces playing, Aikman knows the TV business is very competitive too, especially with Tom Brady now around and the likes of Tony Romo going strong.
“That’s the competitive nature of me, and I know these guys are competitive as well. Every one of us wants to be the best,” Aikman said.
“But whether it’s a new guy coming in or other guys being well-received, it doesn’t affect or change my approach. I go about it the same regardless.”
Brady had mixed reviews for his first game as lead analyst for Fox, Sunday’s game between the Cowboys and Cleveland Browns.
Watch the NFL live this season
*If you click a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue.
With this season’s schedule now revealed, eager NFL fans are looking to secure tickets to their favorite games.
You can start buying tickets for some games on several sites now:
Before purchasing tickets on resale websites check pricing as they are third-party sellers and, importantly, the cost can vary depending on demand. You may pay more than an official ticket, though you can also get good last-minute deals too.
But if you can’t be there in person, don’t worry, there’s still time to set up your stream before the season starts.
You can also keep up to date with the latest NFL coverage right here at The U.S. Sun.
Aikman says it’s not easy to get the job right quickly, and says someone told him early on that calling a game is like a prizefight.
“Body blows, body blows, body blows, then every once in a while you have a chance at a knockout punch,” Aikman said.
“There’s this idea that ‘I have this wealth of knowledge about the game, and now I get to take people behind the curtain.
“You don’t have that kind of time. And it’s gotten harder over the years because teams are playing faster.
“Whether it’s Tom or Greg or Tony (Romo), you sort of figure that out as you go.”
“It’s not an easy thing to settle into right away.”
