You remember Don Meredith for his leadership and Roger Staubach for his comebacks. Tough on himself and tough on others. And not just for playing with the bad back and ringing head that forced him out before he was ready. The quality was what he admired in former teammate Daryl Johnston, who never complained about his health or hid out in the training room. Ken Aikman made quite an impact on his only son.
Most fathers do, one way or another.
Working in oil fields most of his life, from California to Oklahoma, Ken left an indelible impression of how to succeed in life. A figure so compelling usually rates a story or two, particularly the sire of a Hall of Fame quarterback. Several years ago, probably in the midst of the Super Bowl run, I asked Aikman about the possibilities. He shook his head. The last time anyone did a story on Ken Aikman was while Troy was at UCLA, and dad didn't care for the finished product.