In the bustling city of Dallas, where football is king, Troy Aikman, the legendary Dallas Cowboys icon, found himself in a different kind of arena on a late summer afternoon. As he addressed the crowd at Andrews Distributing, the biggest beer distributor in Texas, Aikman’s charisma and charm were on full display. But after he finished his pitch, he traded in his microphone for a tap handle, ready to serve up his own creation.
“What can I get ya?” Aikman asked with a smile, knowing that Eight, the beer company he founded in 2022, was the only beer on tap. The employees of Andrews Distributing were not just allowed, but encouraged, to enjoy a cold one after a hard day’s work, and who better to serve it up than a Cowboys legend?
Aikman and his team had spent two years perfecting the recipe for Eight. They collaborated with Oregon State University’s fermentation science program, conducting blind taste tests over Zoom to ensure the beer met his high standards. Aikman was a perfectionist, always striving to make it cleaner, better, more enjoyable.
His foray into the beverage industry was not a one-off venture for Aikman. In college, he worked a summer job in the field, thanks to his former coach Barry Switzer. Loading trucks, delivering cases, stocking shelves – Aikman did it all. It was this work ethic and respect for the business that set him apart.
“A failure,” Aikman called himself when reflecting on his past successes. The man who was once dubbed “God’s Quarterback” on the cover of GQ magazine had a different perspective on his journey.
“For me, contentment was always a four-letter word,” Aikman explained. “I never wanted to be content. I didn’t wanna be around anyone who was content. That’s just not a place I could land.”
At 57 years old, Aikman’s routine is regimented. No warm showers, an early morning cold one, a brisk walk in the sunlight – all to keep his circadian rhythm in check. Aikman’s dedication to his craft, whether it be on the football field or in the boardroom, has been unwavering.
As he continues to build his legacy beyond the gridiron, Aikman remains focused on what’s next. Super Bowls, broadcasting career, business ventures – they’re all part of his story. And as he stands behind the bar at Andrews Distributing, serving up his own brew, it’s clear that Troy Aikman is a man who’s always looking ahead, never content to rest on his laurels.
