MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

June 15, 2009

Troy Aikman picks up college degree 21 years later


LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hall of Fame quarterback and former Oklahoma high school star Troy Aikman has graduated from UCLA 21 years after starring for the Bruins.



Aikman participated in yesterday's graduation ceremony on the Westwood campus along with 450 other graduates. He earned his sociology degree earlier this year, having left college as the No. 1 pick in the 1989 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys.



He was mobbed with requests for pictures with his fellow graduates and received a loud cheer when his name was read while receiving his diploma.



Aikman says he's glad he returned to UCLA and went through the ceremony. He was joined by his wife Rhonda, two of his daughters, his mother and one of his sisters.



Aikman played in high school in Henryetta, Okla., and started his college career at Oklahoma.



He quarterbacked UCLA to a 20-4 record during the 1987 and 1988 seasons. He later was enshrined both the college and pro football halls.