Troy Aikman is a former American professional football player and current sports broadcaster. Born on November 21, 1966, in West Covina, California, Aikman became one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history. He played college football for the UCLA Bruins before being selected as the first overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1989 NFL Draft.
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During his illustrious 12-year career with the Cowboys, Aikman led the team to three Super Bowl victories (Super Bowl XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX), earning the MVP title in Super Bowl XXVII. Known for his strong arm, leadership skills, and exceptional accuracy, Aikman was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
After retiring from football in 2001, Aikman transitioned to a successful broadcasting career. He became a prominent NFL analyst and commentator, working for FOX Sports and providing insightful analysis during games. Aikman’s contributions to the sport both on and off the field have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Because of his bachelor status (when the rumors initially began circulating) and his private personal life, there has been speculation about Aikman’s sexual orientation. So, is Troy Aikman gay? Read on for the answer.
VOTE: What is Troy Aikman’s Sexuality?
Troy Aikman’s Sexuality: How the Gay Rumor Started
Troy Aikman’s sexual preference has always been one of the most frequently asked questions about the former football quarterback. These gay rumors about him likely originated when over-the-top sports reporter Skip Bayless discussed Aikman’s sexuality in the books he authored.
In the books he published in the 1990s, Bayless wrote about the Dallas Cowboys, specifically addressing the rumors surrounding Troy Aikman’s sexual orientation.
My only regret about the book is that it does not say that Aikman is gay. I had no idea and nor do I care to this day… A number of the Black players-with whom I was close-contended that he was bisexual.”
Skip Bayless said in a 2009 interview
Bayless said in a 2009 interview that he didn’t outed Aikaman because everyone in the team basically knows he’s gay.
I wish I had sledgehammered it [the rumor] because it was the truth and everyone who knew what was going on inside the locker room told me the book was a terrific job and that I nailed it.”
Because I did. It’s exactly what happened. All I heard from people around the country who didn’t read the book was, ‘You outed Troy Aikman?'”
I didn’t. The coach definitely thought he was gay and a lot of his teammates thought he was gay. More than that, they thought he was racist and they thought he was trying to get Barry Switzer.”
More recently, Richard Deitsch from Sports Illustrated interviewed Aikman and asked him about the longstanding rumors that had followed him for two decades. Aikman expressed his frustration, stating that the insinuation was completely inaccurate. However, he also acknowledged that he was even more disappointed in himself for not addressing the rumors right away.
I’m upset about it because it was made up and there was nothing accurate about anything that was insinuated. And he did it, as he does everything, just for attention. I am probably more upset because I probably should have responded to it at the time it was going on. The advice to me was “Hey, just don’t address it. It’s not worth it. It doesn’t make any sense. It’s ridiculous. All it’s going to do is have people continue to talk about his book.” So I didn’t. But I probably could have responded differently and maybe that would have changed things. Maybe it wouldn’t have. But it is ridiculous, and, yeah, it bothers me. If that is a lifestyle people choose, so be it. It doesn’t affect me one way or another. But it is not my lifestyle.”
Troy Aikman told Richard Deitsch in an interview
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Troy Aikman’s Relationships
Despite the persistent gay rumors, Troy Aikman has actually been married to Catherine Mooty since 2017. While there have been speculations about their marriage facing difficulties, no definitive confirmation has been provided.
The NFL legend was also previously married to Rhonda Worthey for 10 years, having tied the knot in 2000. They had a couple of children together before getting a divorce in 2011.
Troy Aikman also dated several women outside of his two marriages.
In 2012, he dated actress Abigail Klein, who is a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.
In the 1990s, Aikman was also rumored to have dated Hollywood A-lister Sandra Bullock. Although they never confirmed their relationship, it was believed that they were together for several years.
Is Troy Aikman Gay?
No, Troy Aikman is not gay. He has firmly denied the gay rumors that have followed him for 20 years, emphasizing that they were completely inaccurate. Aikman has been involved in several heterosexual relationships and has been married twice. He was previously married to Rhonda Worthey for 10 years, with whom he shares two children, and he has currently been married to Catherine Mooty since 2017.