(Courtesy Eight Beer)

Normally when a big-name talent like former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman gets involved in a beer project it’s more times than not simply a branding exercise for some mass-market brewing major like Anheuser-Busch or Molson Coors.

But that’s not what Aikman’s doing… He’s truly going indie with a new beer in Texas which will become available in February.

The product of two years of research and trials Eight is a 4% ABV Light Lager that’s being positioned as a healthy low calorie beer option. The end result of a partnership with Oregon State University’s Food Science and Technology Department.Eight will be based in Austin with a seasoned team that includes brewmaster Phil Leinhart (Anheuser-Busch, Harpoon Brewery, Brewery Ommegang), Doug Campbell (former president of Brewery Ommegang), as well as other seasoned brewing players.

Brewed with  organic grains, “antioxidant-rich” Hallertau Taurus hops, and “no adjuncts, cheap fillers, or sugars, Eight is described as a Light Lager with 90 calories and 2.6g carbohydrates….Think a craft beer alternative to Michelob Ultra, with more flavor, less calories and Troy Aikman.

In a statement, Aikman says that Eight is for health-minded drinkers who watch what they consume…

“These folks, myself included, are conscious of what we put in our bodies, and options for a light, refreshing beer that’s brewed with organic ingredients are virtually non-existent,” he says. “When it comes to grabbing a beer, I found that my options were limited.”

“I’m not naive about this,” the legendary Dallas Cowboys star said via Front Office Sports. “Shoot, there’s over 8,000 breweries – and here we are diving into probably the most competitive segment of that in the light beer space.”

“We’re going up against some real titans and heavyweights and I understand that.”

But Aikman, whose Dallas Cowboys Jersey number was eight, has always been open to challenges. The NFL’s #1 pick in 1989, Aikman led the Cowboys to three Super Bowls before entering Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“I use physical exercise to reduce my stress and support longevity, and practice good nutrition and clean eating to maintain my lifestyle added Aikman. When it comes to beer though, I found that my options were limited. If EIGHT offers drinkers an option they don’t need to make excuses to enjoy, that will be a huge win.”

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(All image credits EIGHT beer)