Cowboys Legend Troy Aikman Reveals the Man Who Saved His NFL Career

Aikman credits offensive coordinator Norv Turner for turning around the Cowboys' struggling offense and helping him avoid becoming a draft bust.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:48pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric planes in the colors of the Dallas Cowboys, capturing the energy and movement of a football game or match.A cubist interpretation of the Dallas Cowboys' offensive dominance in the 1990s, with quarterback Troy Aikman at the center of the fractured, geometric composition.Dallas Today

In a recent interview, Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman admitted that he was on the path to becoming a draft bust during his first two seasons in the NFL. However, the arrival of offensive coordinator Norv Turner in 1991 proved to be a turning point, as Turner's coaching and offensive system helped transform the Cowboys into a top-10 offense and led them to two Super Bowl wins.

Why it matters

Aikman's story highlights the critical role that coaching can play in the development of young NFL quarterbacks. Even with elite physical tools and talented playmakers, exceptional coaching is often the defining factor between a draft bust and a football legend.

The details

Aikman, who was drafted first overall by the Cowboys in 1989, struggled mightily in his first two seasons, with the team ranking as the worst offense in the NFL. However, the arrival of Norv Turner as offensive coordinator in 1991 changed everything. With the same core players, including Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, and Jay Novacek, the Cowboys' offense became a top-10 unit and went to the playoffs for the first time. Over the next two years, the Cowboys' offense was ranked in the top five, and the team won two Super Bowls.

  • In 1989, Aikman was drafted first overall by the Dallas Cowboys.
  • During his first two seasons in the NFL (1989 and 1990), the Cowboys had the worst offense in the league.
  • Norv Turner was hired as the Cowboys' offensive coordinator in 1991.
  • In 1991, the Cowboys' offense became a top-10 unit and the team made the playoffs for the first time.
  • In the 1992 and 1993 seasons, the Cowboys' offense was ranked in the top five, and the team won two Super Bowls.

The players

Troy Aikman

A Hall of Fame quarterback who was drafted first overall by the Dallas Cowboys in 1989 and led the team to three Super Bowl championships in the 1990s.

Norv Turner

The offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys from 1991 to 1993, who helped transform the team's struggling offense into a top-ranked unit and played a key role in the Cowboys' two Super Bowl wins.

Emmitt Smith

The star running back for the Dallas Cowboys during the 1990s, who was a key part of the team's offensive success.

Michael Irvin

The star wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys during the 1990s, who was a key part of the team's offensive success.

Jay Novacek

The star tight end for the Dallas Cowboys during the 1990s, who was a key part of the team's offensive success.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's so many quarterbacks that have come into this game that came in as high draft picks, high expectations, and then it just never quite happens for him.”

— Troy Aikman, Hall of Fame Quarterback

“My first two years in Dallas, I was on that path. I was on the path of being a bust. We were the worst offense in football really both years, my first and second year in the league.”

— Troy Aikman, Hall of Fame Quarterback

“Norv Turner then came in my third year with the same players really, pretty much the same offensive linemen, same skilled players, Emmitt, Michael, Novacek. On our first year, we were a top 10 offense and we went to the playoffs for the first time, won 11 games. And then the next two years with Norv, we were top five offensively and we won two Super Bowls.”

— Troy Aikman, Hall of Fame Quarterback

The takeaway

Aikman's story serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role that coaching can play in the development of young NFL quarterbacks. Even with elite physical tools and talented playmakers, exceptional coaching is often the defining factor between a draft bust and a football legend.