As rivers overflowed across the Texas Hill Country, Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman stepped forward with a heartfelt message. The Hall of Fame quarterback doesn’t often weigh in on current events, but this weekend, he made an exception as rescue teams searched for children swept away by devastating flash floods.
Troy Aikman Reacts to Tragedy As Texas Hill Country Flood Death Toll Climbs Past 70
“My heart is with the children still missing in the Texas Hill Country — and with those who have been found and heartbreakingly lost. It’s impossible to put that kind of pain into words. I’m praying for the families still waiting, and for strength for those now grieving. Grateful for everyone doing the hard work to bring the rest of these kids home,” Aikman wrote Saturday on X.
Aikman has lived in north Texas since his playing days and heads several children’s charities, making his response particularly meaningful. His words arrived as the death toll reached at least 70, including 21 children after flash floods dumped up to 18 inches of rain in a single day.
Officials say rescue teams have saved more than 850 people, many of whom were hoisted to safety by Coast Guard helicopters as roads vanished beneath muddy water.
My heart is with the children still missing in the Texas Hill Country—and with those who have been found and heartbreakingly lost. It’s impossible to put that kind of pain into words. I’m praying for the families still waiting, and for strength for those now grieving. Grateful…
— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) July 5, 2025
Among the missing are 11 girls from Camp Mystic, a century-old summer retreat near Kerrville. That camp and nearby ranch communities bore the brunt of the surge, leaving uprooted cabins and splintered bridges along the riverbank. The historic camp has operated since 1924, making this tragedy particularly devastating for generations of families who have sent their children there.
RELATED: Texans QB C.J. Stroud Shares Heartfelt Message After Devastating Flood in Texas Hill Country
Aikman’s reference to “children still missing” reflected the ongoing search efforts and his long history of supporting pediatric causes. His foundation has funded hospital playrooms and annual golf tournaments for the United Way, establishing him as someone who genuinely cares about children’s welfare beyond football.
According to Reuters, the Cowboys are donating $500,000 to the Salvation Army to assist in recovery from the flooding that has devastated the Texas Hill Country. The Houston Texans are matching that amount, showing how the NFL community is rallying around the state during this crisis.
The financial support comes at a crucial time as authorities warn that more rain could slow recovery through mid-week. They credit private donations for accelerating shelter relief, with local high schools opening their stadiums as temporary shelters. Emergency responders continue working around the clock, but the scale of destruction has overwhelmed many small Hill Country communities.
For now, Aikman’s message serves as more than just words of comfort. It’s a reminder that even retired stars still carry influence when their state needs it most, and his platform helps keep attention focused on the ongoing rescue efforts and the families still waiting for news about their loved ones.
