DALLAS — The question of what to do when your playing career is done is something that weighs on many professional athletes. Few have found the type of success in retirement as Troy Aikman.

He’s become one of the marquee names in sports broadcasting, although it’s not what he expected to be doing when he stopped playing football.

What You Need To Know

  • Aikman won three Super Bowls as the Cowboys QB

  • Aikman is an analyst for ESPN’s "Monday Night Football"

  • He helped launch Eight beer this year

  • He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006

“I really thought I would eventually go into a front office somewhere,” Aikman said. “I had some real thoughts and opinions as a player to what I thought allowed us to have success.”

Those plans took a minor detour when Aikman was given an opportunity as a broadcaster. He quickly became the lead analyst for FOX NFL games and was in that position for two decades. Recently, Aikman decided to leave FOX and sign on with ESPN to be a part of their "Monday Night Football" team.

“I never imagined that if I was broadcasting that I wouldn’t be broadcasting at FOX but things change,” said Aikman. “I’m excited about it. I’m looking forward to being the only game on Monday nights and I know what ESPN has put behind this package. It’s exciting for someone like myself.”

Outside of his job on TV, Aikman has stayed pretty busy in his post-playing days. Just this year, he helped launch a new beer company called Eight. It's named for his jersey number when he played.

“The response has been terrific, it seems like every step of the way there was more momentum being created,” said Aikman. “I feel that there are moments in life and times when you just want to be able to enjoy those moments with family and friends and celebrate small victories and I do that typically over a beer.”

Aikman is busy living in the moment and says he doesn’t reflect too much on his days with the Cowboys, but he looks back fondly on those times and all the success he and the team had.

“I’m really proud of my career and proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish,” Aikman said. “I’m one of the fortunate ones to have a dream and then be able to live out that dream is impactful. What I take from that is really the relationships that were established with my teammates and so many coaches. That’s what’s meant the most to me.”

He’s also built a strong relationship with the city of Dallas, the place he calls home. Aikman has become a very important member of the community and made it a point to give back.

“Of course the success we were able to enjoy with the Cowboys and my daughters were raised here,” said Aikman. “I will always consider Texas home and proud of what I’ve been able to be involved with a lot of the community leaders over the years.”

With his connection to the city and his job covering the NFL, Aikman has unique insight into the current Cowboys team and what he sees in the guy who plays the quarterback position now.

“There’s a lot of players that talk about team and talk about winning, but when Dak says he only wants to win, that’s the truth,” said Aikman. “I really do respect that, am hopeful, and I believe it will happen that he will win a world championship for the Cowboys.

Thanks to the Statler in Dallas for use of their hotel for this interview.