First player taken in the NFL draft and first player drafted by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Signs six-year contract. First rookie QB to start opener for Dallas since Roger Staubach in 1969. After five-game absence with broken finger, sets NFL rookie record with 379 yards passing against Phoenix but also suffers first known concussion of his pro career. Separates shoulder early in game against Philadelphia, forcing him from the game as well as season finale.
Cowboys lose both games, missing the playoffs.
Cowboys led after three quarters in just one of their seven wins. Injures ligament in right knee and misses final four regular-season games. Steve Beuerlein starts playoff game against Detroit, but Aikman replaces him late in first half en route to 38-6 loss. Earned first Pro Bowl trip, leading the NFC by completing 65 percent of his passes. Reaches 10,000 career passing yards in 52nd game, faster than any other quarterback in team history, in loss to Redskins.