Opinion
Troy Aikman may have been with the Chargers, if not for Doug Flutie
Lengthy earlier than Troy Aikman was essentially the most sought-after broadcaster within the NFL, he had a Corridor of Fame profession because the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. And if not for Doug Flutie, that profession would’ve ended… in San Diego?
By 2000, Aikman knew that his time within the Huge D had some to an finish, and he started exploring different choices, together with becoming a member of the Chargers, who made their house in San Diego on the time.
Troy Aikman gained three Tremendous Bowls as a participant however a brand new technology of followers will keep in mind him as an completed broadcaster on FOX.
(Brian Bahr/Getty Photographs)
“It was clear in the direction of the tip of my final season with the Cowboys that I wouldn’t be again in Dallas if I have been going to proceed to play,” Aikman mentioned not too long ago throughout an look on The Ryen Russillo Podcast. “…I then was beginning to take a look at whether or not or not I needed to possibly attempt to go play elsewhere, or if in truth I used to be going to retire.”
Aikman’s destiny was largely within the arms of Chargers GM John Butler, who had beforehand overseen Buffalo, a group with strong sign callers Rob Johnson and Doug Flutie. Each quarterbacks have been of curiosity to Butler at his new gig.
Nov 21, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys former quarterback Troy Aikman attends the NFL recreation between the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium.
(Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports activities)
Aikman recollects: “Fact be instructed, Norv Turner, on the time, was the offensive coordinator with the Chargers and Mike Riley was the pinnacle coach. And I had gone to San Diego and had met with everyone however their common supervisor John Butler…
“And I’m having these conversations with Norv and different folks within the Chargers group, and I had determined that I used to be going to return again and play yet another yr and I used to be going to signal with the Chargers, if a proposal was made.”
Sadly for Aikman, a proposal was made. Simply not for him.
Quarterback Doug Flutie #7 of the San Diego Chargers calls out the play in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium on January 2, 2004 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Chiefs 24-17.
(Donald Miralle/Getty Photographs)
“After which the Payments launched Doug Flutie. And I obtained a name from Norv the subsequent day, and he mentioned that the group had simply signed Doug Flutie as their veteran quarterback,” mentioned Aikman.
“Once they took Flutie, I mentioned, ‘Nicely then that makes it straightforward, I’m gonna go forward and retire.’ And I did.”
That collection of occasions finally led Aikman to swap a helmet for a headset, a transfer that Flutie made himself six years later.
