November 17, 1998 - Foley's, Valley View Mall. Troy signed copies of his new book, Aikman: Mind, Body & Soul tonight. One of the gang from the Athlete Direct chatroom/message boards on American Online made the trek to Dallas to get his autograph. She reports "He was dressed in all black, black shoes, slacks, shirt, and jacket...I was #13 in line after getting to Foley's at 1:00 this afternoon....and I patiently waited for FIVE hours....yes count 'em FIVE....There had to have been over 500 people in line...maybe closer to 700-800 people. Troy signed for an hour and a half (30 min more than scheduled)...but many still left the mall empty-handed....I got to BRIEFLY chat with Troy (while getting the autographs....altho they were herding us through there like cattle)....and as I was walking away I turned and said 'oh by the way, the AD REGS said to tell you hello'... he gave me a GREAT BIG smile....and said 'tell them hi and thank you... thank you very much.'"

November 10, 1998 - America Online, Athlete Direct football chatroom and Troy Aikman Message Board. Troy surprised his AOL fans by popping back online before heading to bed. One of the questions he answered on his message board dealt with accomodations in Aikman's Endzones for children who have lost their sight. Troy answered, "Although we do not have specific equipment for the seeing impaired at the Aikman Endzones, our Starbright Worlds do offer audio communication. As a result, someone who is unable to view the screen can still interact via Starbright with other children in participating hospitals."

Troy entered the chatroom to a barrage of "hellos" and questions about his finger. He said "the finger is very sore and swollen. It's going to take some time to heal, but I'll be fine." When asked about the Arizona game this Sunday he said, "Arizona is going to be a tough game...it should be a lot of fun." He was asked about the DirectTV ads he filmed in May with John Elway, Brett Favre, and Jerry Rice. He said the carts were "definitely uncomfortable." When someone commented that he didn't smile he said, "we weren't supposed to smile." Before leaving he said, "well, just wanted to drop in and say 'hello'....hope you all are doing great! Got to get some rest for the BIG game this Sunday!!!!!!!"

[so is he pumped for this game or what?]

November 10, 1998 - NFL.COM Quarterback Club. Troy chatted for about a half hour in the Quarterback Club Cyberspace Showdown. The transcript of the chat is available: Troy Aikman Chat - November 10, 1998.

November 8, 1998 - Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas. Troy smashed his hand on the face mask of a Giant's helmet late in the first quarter, suffering a two-inch gash on his right index finger and spraining that finger. He continued to play, but ended up missing the final drive of the half when he went for X-rays.

In his postgame interview on the field following the Cowboys victory over the New York Giants, Troy told FOX Sports, "the finger is gonna be OK. They took X-rays and nothing's broke. But they don't know about the ligaments and stuff. I wasn't able to get a real good grip on the ball and it was causing some problems. Fortunately I was able to come back and still make some throws there in the second half. I'll be back next week. I finished this ballgame. I'll be ready to go next week against Arizona."

In his locker room interview during the Cowboys Postgame Show, Troy told Brad Sham, "I was struggling early in the game before I even did the finger. I had a hard time getting a grip on the ball. I just couldn't get a grip on it. The balls come with a wax coating - I don't want to get picky about it. But I was unable to make some throws and it was very frustrating as a result. And then I had this happen to the finger and it was nearly impossible. I just couldn't get a grip on the ball. It wasn't so much the blood. I couldn't get it to stop bleeding but it wasn't so much that. It was more that I couldn't put any pressure on the finger and get a good grip on the ball to get any kind of velocity on it. It started feeling a little better as the game wore on there in the second half."

Troy was asked about the phenomenal catch Ernie Mills made at the one-yard line. Troy said, "I got hit after I let go of it. I was not able to see it. But I tell you what, Ernie is an unbelievable football player. People say well he's not the fastest guy, he's not the quickest guy. He can't do this or he can't do that. You know, he knows how to play the game and there are very few guys who can do that. We're lucky to have him. I'm thankful that we were able to get him because he really complements what we're trying to do.

Brad asked Troy how the finger injury ranked with his "playing with pain" games. Troy said, "I've probably played with more pain in some other areas, but as far as this being the most disruptive in terms of me going out and trying to do my job, this is right up there near the top and I was just hoping it would loosen up enough to where I could make some of the throws I needed to make. And fortunately that happened." Troy finished the game completing 16 of 23 passes for 161 yards (including 11 of 12 in the second half).

November 1998 - The November issue of Sport Magazine has several articles on sports heroes (including our favorite quarterback) and how they give back to their communities. Great full-face photo of Troy on page 92. Story starts on page 93.

November 2, 1998 - What's new in Troy's life? Read "Straight Talk" in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram online.

October 26, 1998 - The locker room, Cowboys Practice Facility at Valley Ranch, Irving, Texas. Troy had his shoulder X-rayed again today and the reports out of Valley Ranch say that it has shown "dramatic improvement" although it is still not completely healed.

Troy talked to the media today after practice and discussed his return. "Whatever problems that we've had I think that we've still got to work through that. I don't think that anyone's return, whether that be me or any other player, is going to solve all of those things." He was asked later in the interview if he is having any pain. He said, "Yeah, well, I felt a little bit in my backswing on Saturday, you know." Then he chuckled.

He was asked about being rusty after only playing five quarters under the new offense. "I still feel pretty good about it. I kept up with what we were doing within the game plans. I was able to watch tape and do that and then the last two days of practice last week have been good for me. And I was actually a little bit surprised. I was expecting to feel a lot more rusty out there on the field having missed five weeks of playing but it came together pretty good for me, so I feel good. And I say that knowing that I'm not as sharp as I would be had I been playing all this time."

He was also asked whether the Cowboys would take any extra precautions with his collarbone during games. "They'll do some, but there is really not much they can do to protect it. I think if I take a direct hit is where the padding will come into play. It's not going to be able to absorb that much and I don't think the hit is really what the concern is. I think the concern is falling on the elbow and then radiating the pain up through the shoulder. I think that is the biggest concern."

October 22, 1998 - ESPN. Troy was the guest on "Up Close" this evening.

October 21, 1998 - The locker room, Cowboys Practice Facility at Valley Ranch, Irving, Texas. Troy worked out with the first team offense today. The 'Boys will have a practice on Thursday and then have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off. Troy answered questions for the media about the status of his injury and practice. "When I get hit is my biggest concern. I haven't gotten hit. The speed of the game is more than what it is on the practice field, but this isn't my first game to ever play. So I know what the speed's going to be. The biggest concern is getting hit and seeing how the shoulder is going to hold up to that. This is my 10th year so it's not like I haven't played in a lot of games. I've missed five weeks and I'm not going to probably be as sharp in this first ball game as what I will be three games from now, but that's the way it is. I feel fine with that with the exception as I've said the collarbone is still broken and there's concern as to whether or not it will hold up and that's the only concern that I have."

October 20, 1998 - Cool Rivers Cafe, Irving, Texas. A party for Troy's new book was held this evening, and Troy took some time to discuss his latest literary venture with KTVT Channel 11: "There is a certain amount of reflection that went into it. Being able to look back on some of the things, not only the pictorial aspect of it but also the text part of it. Talking about some of the various things and talking about the days that I spent in college. So it was fun for me because I've got such great memories of so many things in the past whether it be the years that I spent in high school or at UCLA, the three Super Bowl teams. So it was a fun thing for me to go through all that."

October 20, 1998 - America Online, Athlete Direct, Ask Troy Aikman message board. Troy came online this morning and answered some posts on his message board. One person had asked him whether he followed college football. Troy said, "I don't get a chance to watch too many college games, but I do normally catch the late college game on ESPN on Saturday evenings....that is the night we are in the hotel before our games. I have always kept up with my alma mater, UCLA, but this year is especially fun since they are playing so well." Another person had asked him about Cowboys tightend David LaFleur. Troy said, "David LeFleur's progress has been very good. He is a big part of the success that we've had running the football this year. He is also beginning to get more involved in the passing game."

Troy also answered a question about discussing game strategy with the game announcers before the game. He said, "I don't think it affects the outcome of the game when John Madden comes out on TV and talks about our strategy. He does not do it until the game has begun. It is very customary for the head coaches and select players to talk with the broadcasters the day before the game. It gives them a better perspective and allows them to explain the game better to the viewing public."

Another questioner inquired into what he was chewing on the sidelines during the Bears game. Troy said, "I was eating sunflower seeds."

October 20, 1998 - Dallas Morning News published Part 3 of the excerpt from Troy's new book.

October 19, 1998 - Dallas Morning News published Part 2 of the excerpt from Troy's new book.

October 18, 1998 - Dallas Morning News. Starting today, the paper is running a three-part series of excerpts from Troy's new book Aikman - Mind, Body, & Soul. [update 11/02 - unfortunately the Dallas Morning News keeps stories online for a minimal amount of time, and the excerpts from Troy's book are no longer available.]

October 16, 1998 - America Online, Athlete Direct, Football Chat Room. Troy came online early this evening and chatted. When asked about his new books that are in the works he said, "I've got the coffee-table book coming out next week. I've decided, however, not to come out with Children's book until next season. The name of the [new] book is 'Aikman - Mind, Body & Soul.' The book is more of a book in pictures. There is some text, but it is mostly pictures." He said that the pictures are mostly recent photographs.

Regarding his fractured clavicle he said, "The collarbone is doing much better. I wish I were playing this week, but it's probably best for me to take another week off and give myself another couple weeks to heal. I will be back against the Eagles on Monday night." Someone remarked that they were looking forward to his comeback and he said, "I can't wait either!!!!!!!! it's been TOO long!"

He was also asked whether being out so long had given him a new meaning for the word patience. Troy said, "Patience doesn't describe how tough it's been....each week gets harder and harder to stand and watch. Don't get me wrong, I think Jason has been great, but that doesn't make it any easier to watch." He also said that he is taping an interview for an episode of ESPN's "Up Close" next week.

October 12, 1998 - The October 12 issue of Sports Illustrated, page 68, has a story on the progress of Troy's rehab. You can also see the article/photo online: A Hurry-up Rehab.

October 7, 1998 - Troy threw for several minutes in his shoulder pads yesterday for the first time since fracturing his left clavicle on September 13th. Cowboys coach Chan Gailey said Aikman will continue to work out in shoulder pads for the remainder of his rehabilitation. "He was just trying to get back in a groove," Gailey said. "He felt pretty good about it."

October 5, 1998 - In front of Troy's locker, Valley Ranch, Irving, Texas. From an interview shown on FOX 4 Dallas this evening: "It's always been frustrating for me not to play when I've been injured and to have to stand and watch. When you're accustomed to playing, you're accustomed to starting, standing on the sidelines watching your teammates go through it without you is very frustrating."

"I think they do realize that I'm not being careless as far as how I'm apporaching it and knowing what's at stake and knowing that I do want to continue playing throughout the rest of the games and I don't want to come out and try to come back one game or two games early and jeopardize the rest of the season. I think they realize that."

October 4, 1998 - Jack Kent Cook Stadium, Raljon, Maryland. In a post-game interview, Troy said, "Jason's playing well and that certainly helps us and if we can win games like this on the road then we're gonna be much better off and that's encouraging for us. But that has no bearing as to when I can play. If we had lost today my shoulder is not any more healed than what it would have been after we won today so that's not the issue. The issue is whether the collarbone is healed and that's going to be a week-to-week thing."

October 1, 1998 - From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Aikman not definite for next game. (Remember that links to newspaper stories are valid for only a short time.)

September 28, 1998 - In front of Troy's locker at the Cowboys Valley Ranch facility, Irving, Texas. From the Channel 11 news in Dallas/Fort Worth, this sound bite from our favorite QB: "...we're talking about a broken bone. It's been two weeks. For anyone to think that it's healed...I heal pretty quick but not that quick. And it won't be healed in two more weeks. I mean, let's be honest with each other. But I'm hopeful that it will have mended enough to where I feel like I can go out and play without too much discomfort, and play to where if I get hit that it'll still hold up and not break again."

September 24, 1998 - Barnes and Noble Bookstore, Northwest Highway, Dallas. Troy and his agent, Leigh Steinberg, were at the B&N tonight for a book signing of Leigh's new book Winning With Integrity. In a television interview at the signing, Leigh discussed Troy's future after football. Leigh said that he would like to see Troy run for the U.S. Senate, but that he didn't think Troy was too in love with politics. Troy laughed and said "I feel like I'm in the political arena too much as it is." Leigh also said he'd like to see Troy in an ownership position of a football team because he thinks Troy would have fun.

September 24, 1998 - Cowboys facility at Valley Ranch, Irving, Texas. Troy, with his fractured left collarbone tightly wrapped, spent ten minutes throwing 15-yard passes to assistant strength and conditioning coach Blake Cundiff. Troy said, "I felt okay. I was protecting my shoulder."

September 23, 1998 - Good article: CNN/SI - NFL Football - Aikman pushes himself to get back into lineup by October 11.

September 20, 1998 - Troy was interviewed on the CBS pre-game show this morning, live from Valley Ranch, and stated that he now intends to be back for the Carolina game on October 11, therefore missing only three games. (You are a tough man, Mr. Aikman!)

September 17, 1998 - Troy was interviewed by FOX 4 in Dallas today. Most of that interview will be aired Friday night at 9:30 on the weekly Cowboys show on that station. They did give us a Troy teaser:

"It's difficult and disappointing any time you get hurt, you know, especially in light of some of the things we've been doing this year that have been very positive and favorable. I think we're going to have a very good season, and I think Jason's going to be fine and the team's going to be fine while I'm not playing, but I very much look forward to coming back and being part of it again."

September 15, 1998 - Cowboys facility at Valley Ranch, Irving, Texas. Troy was at Valley Ranch today for treatment and a light workout. He was asked about the prognosis on his broken collarbone. He said, "the way they've treated me is the same way they always have. They're kind of like, '(Troy shook his head back and forth and blew air through his lips) we're gonna do what we can and see how it feels and go week-to-week.' "

"Realistically they've said 4-8 weeks. They said the bone probably wouldn't be healed until six weeks, and so that's kind of where it's left. But they haven't ruled anything out as far as saying, 'you definitely will not play until this time regardless of what happens.' They've pretty much left everything open."

Troy really brightened when the reporters started asking him about Jason Garrett, and started laughing and joking with the media. "He's not going through any anxiety over this thing you know. I mean he's very excited about it. He's out there running sprints right now trying to get rid of some nervous energy, but he'll do fine. Heck, Jason's older than I am. You know it's not like (laughter from the media) I know I didn't have to tell you that. I know you can tell just by looking at us."

"The last time Jason started we scored more points than we had in a long long time. I don't think we've scored that many since, so (laughter from Troy and the media. Then a question: how did you get the job back after that performance?) You know, I'm not sure. I'm still kinda asking myself that. I was just happy that Jason didn't cause a controversy!"

Later he was asked how he's feeling.

"Very painful still. A lot of discomfort. I'm not wearing the sling. They said that was just more for my comfort, which it wasn't providing, so I'm not wearing that, but I'm still obviously limited in what I can do. Just kind of taking it day-by-day until some of the pain subsides and the swelling goes down and I'm able to be a little more active with it."

September 14, 1998 - As you probably know, our favorite QB fractured his left clavicle (collarbone) in the second quarter of the Denver game yesterday. Troy should be out 4-8 weeks, but we all know that Troy will push himself to the limit to be back as soon as he can.

During an interview today, Jim Maurer, the Cowboys head athletic trainer, said, "he should feel a little less painful in a week to ten days. He's already gotten on the treadmill today, and did some jogging-type motions with it, and he was able to tolerate that so in about a week to ten days he'll be able to do a little more, and start throwing after that."

Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, who looked devasted yesterday when talking about Troy, looked a little more upbeat today. He said, "Troy was walking around today and he had the sling on and he was looking pretty good. He came and chucked me one time and I said, 'What shoulder was that you chucked me with?" and he said, 'elbow.' I said, 'oh, I was about to say you can play Monday then,' and he laughed. He's in good spirits and that's amazing."

September 6, 1998 - CNN. Troy will be interviewed on "NFL Preview" at 10 am Eastern, 7 am Pacific.

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