Troy Aikman says personal connection to OKC marathon inspired him to sponsor with EIGHT Elite Light Beer

Former Sooner and NFL Hall of Famer Troy Aikman has strong ties to Oklahoma, a state that he says shaped who he is today. Aikman also has a personal connection to the Oklahoma City bombing, and he sat down to share why his company, EIGHT Elite Light Beer, is a proud sponsor of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.

Watch the full interview below:

What is EIGHT?

EIGHT Elite Light Beer is now in its fourth year in Texas and just over a year into its Oklahoma launch. Named for the number he wore as quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, the light lager features only three ingredients—water, malt and hops. With just 90 calories and 2.6 carbs, Aikman says it’s aimed at health-conscious consumers. 

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Photos credit of: EIGHT Elite Light Beer

“I worked at a distributorship in Tulsa when I transferred from the University of Oklahoma to UCLA, and that’s when I first got involved in the beer business,” Aikman said. “Over the years, I did some ad campaigns, became friends with some distributors in Dallas, and around COVID, I started thinking about getting into the beer business myself. Quite frankly, it’s because I just felt it could be done better.” 

Aikman worked with Oregon State University’s Food Science and Sustainable Technologies program to create a clean, “better for you” product that would still taste great. And for Aikman, it wasn’t just about taste or branding—it’s a reflection of his personal values. “I’ve always been very mindful of my health and wellness,” he said. “EIGHT has three ingredients—water, malt and hops. That’s it. No sugars, no sweeteners, no syrups, no corn, no rice. All of the other beers on the market have additives. We’re additive-free, and yet we taste fantastic.” 

Aikman’s Oklahoma Roots

Aikman was born in California but moved to Oklahoma when he was 12, settling in the town of Henryetta. It’s where he spent his formative years, learning to work on a farm and discovering a new pace of life. “I went from being a city kid riding my bike everywhere to living seven miles outside of town on dirt roads on a working farm—feeding cows, pigs, goats, horses, you name it,” Aikman said. “So much of who I am and what I am to this day was shaped in Oklahoma. The people there, not only in Henryetta but across the state, are just phenomenal.” 

Although he went on to play at UCLA and for the Cowboys, Aikman still considers Oklahoma his home. “[Oklahoma] has had an impact on me that's been life changing, quite honestly,” Aikman said.

His ties remain strong: his best friend is someone he met when he was 12, and his sister is now the President of SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City. 

So when the opportunity came to partner with the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, Aikman said it was a natural fit for both his brand and his values. “What better group of people to get out in front of than runners—people who are obviously very mindful of their health and wellness,” Aikman said. 

A personal connection to April 19, 1995

“I was there after it happened. My sister was at St. Anthony’s when the bombing took place,” Aikman said. Aikman and the Dallas Cowboys, led by Jerry Jones, flew to Oklahoma City after the 1995 bombing to meet with first responders and victims. It’s a moment that left a lasting impact on his family, especially his sister Tammy.

Aikman recalled a charity softball game held to benefit bombing victims and first responders, where the two were scheduled to do an interview together. “Following the game, my sister and I were to sit for an interview with ESPN and Roy Firestone. I did my interview, and then it was time for my sister to do hers, and she couldn’t do it. It was just too emotional,” Aikman said. “As close as she and I are, we’ve never talked about it. It was such a dark time, not just for Oklahoma but for our country.” 

2025: Sponsoring the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon

2025’s race marks the 25th running of the marathon and the 30th anniversary of the bombing. Aikman hopes the partnership with EIGHT Elite Light Beer helps amplify the resilience and spirit of Oklahomans. “People get involved in marathons for a number of different reasons—it’s such a personal choice,” he said. “There are going to be people running this weekend for the victims 30 years ago. But the message I think that comes out of all of this is just how resilient the state of Oklahoma is. And really, the people of Oklahoma.” 

Aikman has run three half-marathons himself and says the moment when a runner finishes the race and cracks open a cold beer is one of the best there is. “The hard work is preparing for the run. But then, when you get to the race, that’s the fun part. And the most fun part is when you finish and you get that beer to celebrate,” he said. “There’s never been a beer that tastes better. So for EIGHT to be that beer, especially for those doing this for the first time—what a sense of accomplishment. That’s really why the beer was made to begin with: to celebrate the people who put in the work.” 

Aikman also shared that his sister will be participating again in this year's race. "I know that this is very significant to her because she will be there running; she runs in it every year," he said.

Sponsoring the marathon and connecting with Oklahomans is significant to Aikman, “To celebrate the resiliency of the Oklahoma people, to celebrate those running the marathon—whether it’s your first or your tenth—they’re all special,” he said. “This marathon is more special than most, and for EIGHT to be aligned with that is very meaningful to me.”

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