Troy Aikman calls out UCLA after donor disaster leaves him furious and empty-handed

Troy Aikman played at UCLA for the final two seasons of his college career. After making it big in the NFL, the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback wanted to give back to his alma mater and donated money to the program, as well as to support a player's attendance at UCLA. However, when the player proceeded to transfer to another program, Aikman opted not to continue with such donations.

In an interview with Richard Deitsch of "The Athletic," Aikman detailed how he wanted to help UCLA lure a young talent.

“I gave money to a kid. I won’t mention who,” Aikman said. “I’ve done it one time at UCLA. Never met the young man. He was there a year, he left after the year.

"I wrote a sizable check, and he went to another school. I didn’t even get so much as a thank-you note. It’s one of those deals to where I’m done with NIL. I mean, I wanna see UCLA be successful, but I’m done with it.”

Ever since NIL has been introduced to college sports, student-athletes have been allowed to profit from deals. However, Aikman appears to be done cutting checks after his NIL experience with a young talent.

A look at Troy Aikman's NFL career earnings

Former UCLA QB Troy Aikman - Source: Getty

The Dallas Cowboys took Troy Aikman with the top pick in the 1989 NFL draft. The QB played his entire 12 years in the pro league with the Cowboys.

According to Spotrac, Aikman made $55.537 million in career earnings during his time in the NFL.

Aikman earned six Pro Bowl honors and was named the NFL Man of the Year in 1997. He also won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys.

Aikman was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.