Troy Aikman's net worth sits at an estimated $65 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The Hall of Fame quarterback built his fortune across three distinct phases: a record-breaking NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, two decades at Fox Sports, and a landmark $90 million deal with ESPN. So is he the richest former NFL player? The short answer is: not quite — but he is one of the highest-earning.
ESPN Broadcaster Troy Aikman poses for the camera (L) and looks on before the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Kansas City Chiefs at EverBank Stadium (R)
ESPN Broadcaster Troy Aikman poses for the camera (L) and captured broadcasting at EverBank Stadium (R). Photo by Kristina Bumphrey/Variety and Megan Briggs Source: Getty Images
Key takeaways
Troy Aikman's net worth in 2025 is $65 million.
Aikman signed a five-year deal with ESPN worth a combined $155 million (shared with Joe Buck), receiving $90 million of that total — an average of $18 million per year.
During his NFL career, Aikman earned $27.4 million in base salary and $17.85 million in bonuses. In 1993, he was the highest-paid player in the NFL.
Aikman led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories (1993, 1994, and 1996) and was named MVP of Super Bowl XXVII.
In 2026, Aikman is both the colour commentator on Monday Night Football and a consultant for the Miami Dolphins.
Profile summary
Full name Troy Kenneth Aikman
Date of birth 21 November 1966
Place of birth West Covina, California, USA
Nationality American
Height 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Position Quarterback
NFL team Dallas Cowboys (1989–2000)
Net worth ~$65 million
Annual salary ~$18 million (ESPN)
Spouse(s) Rhonda Worthey (2000–2011); Catherine Mooty (2017–2023)
Children Jordan and Alexa Aikman
Social media @troyaikman (Instagram)
Troy Aikman's career earnings and NFL salary
Aikman played college football at both the University of Oklahoma and UCLA before being selected first overall in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Cowboys. He arrived during a rebuilding phase but quickly transformed the franchise.
He went on to become the winningest starting quarterback of the 1990s, with 90 of his 94 career wins occurring in that decade.
In 1993, he was the highest-paid player in the NFL, thanks to an eight-year, $50 million contract that included an $11 million signing bonus. That deal was historic for its era.
During his NFL career, Troy earned $27.4 million in base salary and $17.85 million in bonuses, for a career total of $55.5 million.
Troy Aikman's broadcasting career earnings
After retiring in 2001, Aikman pivoted seamlessly into the broadcast booth.
At the beginning of his broadcasting career, Aikman earned just $1 million per year. By 2019, his salary had been boosted to $7.5 million per year, making him the highest-paid sports broadcaster in the world at the time.
Aikman shook up the NFL broadcasting space in 2022, leaving Fox after two decades to serve as ESPN's analyst on Monday Night Football.
ESPN signed him to a five-year deal at $18.5 million per year — a total of $92.5 million — as the network sought to restore Monday Night Football to its former glory.
"I have no plans to leave ESPN. I'm enjoying my broadcasting career as much as I ever have." — Troy Aikman,Yahoo Sports
Troy Aikman's net worth: sources of income
Aikman's net worth is built from his NFL career earnings, his broadcasting salary, business ventures, and real estate. Here is a breakdown of his major income streams:
Interesting facts about Troy Aikman
Interesting facts about Troy Aikman. Photo by Brooke Sutton (modified by author) Source: Getty Images
NFL salary and bonuses: over the course of his 12-season NFL career, Aikman earned $55 million in salary and bonuses, plus tens of millions more from endorsements.
ESPN contract: his reported five-year, $90 million contract pays him about $18 million annually, making broadcasting a major source of his current wealth.
Endorsements: brands including Wingstop, Nike, Rent-A-Center, Silvercar, Acme Bricks, and IDLife.
Sports ownership: Aikman holds a minority ownership stake in the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball.
Philanthropy and foundation: his Troy Aikman Foundation provided funds for the construction of Aikman's End Zone, a high-tech recreational area at Oklahoma City's Children's Hospital.
Is Troy Aikman the richest former NFL player?
At $65 million, Aikman is wealthy by any measure. However, former players such as Roger Staubach (real estate empire) and Jerry Rice are estimated to have comparable or greater fortunes. Deion Sanders, for example, has an estimated net worth of $60 million — slightly below Aikman's figure. Aikman's wealth is driven more by broadcasting than by playing, which sets him apart from most former NFL peers.
Troy Aikman's house and lifestyle
Aikman has been an active player in the Dallas luxury property market for decades. After selling his long-time home in the chic Dallas enclave of Highland Park, he purchased two homes — one for $4.6 million and another for $4.3 million.
One of his Highland Park homes was a French Normandy-style property spanning 10,662 square feet, with five bedrooms, five full baths, four half baths, seven living areas, three stories, a wine room, and an elevator.
The Normandy home was eventually listed at $5,950,000 and sold for $5,400,000. Aikman's pattern of buying, renovating, and selling top-tier Dallas properties reflects a savvy approach to real estate investment.
Does Troy Aikman own a plane?
There is no verified public record of Aikman owning a private jet. Given his $18 million annual salary, charter flights or fractional jet ownership are plausible, but no confirmed sources exist — so this remains unverified.
Troy Aikman's Hall of Fame career
Aikman's awards include three Super Bowl championships (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX), Super Bowl MVP (XXVII), the NFL Man of the Year award (1997), and six Pro Bowl selections (1991–1996).
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
After his NFL career, Aikman transitioned into sports commentary, working at Fox for over two decades before moving to ESPN in 2022, where he earned his first Emmy award for his work on Monday Night Football alongside Joe Buck.
"I've been doing it for 25 years, and I have friendships every week that I call a game… and so I would argue every broadcaster has a conflict when they're calling a game." — Troy Aikman on his dual role, Yahoo Sports
Latest news
Former professional football player Troy Aikman, before the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on November 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Former professional football player Troy Aikman, before the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on November 17, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Christian Petersen Source: Getty Images
Aikman joins the Miami Dolphins front office (2026)
In 2026, Aikman is serving as both the colour commentator on Monday Night Football and a consultant for the Miami Dolphins.
Originally hired in January as a consultant in the Dolphins' general manager search, he has since become a sounding board for the organisation alongside fellow legend Dan Marino.
Aikman has been the lead colour commentator for ESPN's NFL coverage since 2022, and he and Joe Buck are set to lead ESPN's coverage of Super Bowl LXI in February.
Aikman said he spoke personally to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about the dual role, and that Goodell confirmed he was comfortable with the arrangement.
"I've talked to the commissioner, and he's fine with what I'm doing and my role." — Troy Aikman, Yahoo Sports
Aikman's current ESPN contract is reportedly coming up for renewal, but he has stated he has no intention of leaving the network.
FAQs
What is Troy Aikman's net worth in 2025? Aikman's net worth is estimated at around $65 million, built from his NFL career earnings, his broadcasting salary, business ventures, and real estate.
What is Troy Aikman's annual salary? His reported five-year deal with ESPN is around $90 million, giving an estimated annual salary of about $18 million.
How much did Troy Aikman earn in the NFL? During his NFL career, Troy earned $27.4 million in base salary and $17.85 million in bonuses, for a career total of $55.5 million.
Is Troy Aikman the richest former NFL player? At $65 million, Aikman ranks highly among former players, but he is not universally considered the wealthiest. His broadcasting career has contributed more to his fortune than his playing days.
Does Troy Aikman own a plane? No verified public source confirms Aikman owns a private aircraft. This detail remains unverified.
What businesses does Troy Aikman own? He ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing several successful businesses including co-founding a sports marketing agency, investing in real estate, and holding a minority stake in the San Diego Padres.
What did Troy Aikman do after retiring from the NFL? After retiring in 2001 due to injuries, Aikman transitioned to sports broadcasting, becoming a prominent analyst — first at Fox Sports for over 20 years, then at ESPN from 2022.
Is Troy Aikman still at ESPN? Yes. Aikman has stated: "I have no plans to leave ESPN. I'm enjoying my broadcasting career as much as I ever have."
Tuko.co.ke also highlighted facts about Andrew Luck's impressive journey following his retirement from the NFL, where he transitioned from superstar quarterback to Stanford University's football general manager. Behind his remarkable comeback lies a profound story of resilience, as Luck navigated personal challenges and rediscovered his passion for the game he once felt he had lost.
Source: TUKO.co.ke