He set the football world on fire as the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, leading the team to three Super Bowl victories and numerous club records. But last weekend, the legendary football professional Troy Aikman returned to his childhood roots and was honored as Cerritos' Hometown Hero.
The Hall of Famer was honored as the city of Cerritos as a Hometown Hero at the City's Volunteer Awards and Recognition Dinner on Feb. 23 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
During the event Aikman shared comments about his positive experiences participating in the city's youth sports programs and the valuable coaching he received from local volunteers. Born on Nov. 21, 1966, Aikman was raised in Cerritos and attended Cerritos Elementary. He spent his 7th grade year at Carmenita Middle School before his family moved to Henryetta, Okla.
Cerritos mayor Jim Edwards presented Aikman with a proclamation declaring him a Cerritos Hometown Hero for his stellar career as a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys and for establishing The Troy Aikman Foundation which helps enhance the lives of youths through sports and academics.
“It's an honor and a privilege to have this opportunity to recognize Troy Aikman, a true Cerritos Hometown Hero," said Mayor Edwards. "He is a fantastic role model for local youth and we are proud that he participated in Cerritos youth sports programs.”
During his 12 years with the Cowboys, Aikman set 45 passing records, including the club's career record of 2,898 completions, 32,942 passing yards, 165 touchdowns and a 61.3 completion percentage. Aikman is one of only four quarterbacks to guide his team to victory in three Super Bowls. In February 2006, he was voted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. He became only the sixth player in Cowboys' history to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The City's Volunteer Awards and Recognition Dinner was attended by 125 coaches of the City's youth flag football, basketball, baseball and soccer programs. In total, 226 coaches donated 8,700 hours of volunteer service to the City's youth sports programs during 2012.
