Who is Michael Irvin: The Dallas Cowboys Legend
Michael Irvin is one of the most iconic and successful players in the history of the Dallas Cowboys. He was a dominant wide receiver who helped the team win three Super Bowls in the 1990s. He was also a charismatic and controversial figure who faced several challenges on and off the field. In this article, we will explore who Michael Irvin is, what he achieved in his NFL career, and what he is doing now.
Michael Irvin’s Early Life and College Career
Michael Jerome Irvin was born on March 5, 1966 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was one of 17 children from his parents’ two marriages. He grew up in a poor and violent neighborhood where he witnessed drug abuse and crime. He found refuge in football and basketball, which he played at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
Irvin was recruited by several colleges but chose to attend the University of Miami, where he became a star for the Hurricanes. He set school records for career receptions (143), receiving yards (2,423), and touchdown catches (26). He also won a national championship with Miami in 1987.
Michael Irvin’s NFL Career with the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys drafted Michael Irvin with the 11th pick in the first round of the 1988 NFL draft. Upon being drafted by the Cowboys, he was signed to a four-year contract worth $1.875 million, complete with a $750,000 signing bonus. He quickly established himself as one of the best receivers in the league and formed a potent trio with quarterback Troy Aikman and running back Emmitt Smith.
Irvin helped lead the Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles in four years: Super Bowl XXVII (1993), Super Bowl XXVIII (1994), and Super Bowl XXX (1996). He earned five Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro nod during his career. He also set franchise records for career receptions (750), receiving yards (11,904), receiving touchdowns (65), and 100-yard games (47).
Irvin’s career was cut short by a spinal cord injury that he suffered in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 10, 1999. He retired after that season at age 33.
Michael Irvin’s Off-Field Controversies and Legal Issues
Michael Irvin was not only famous for his football skills but also for his flamboyant personality and lifestyle. He earned nicknames such as “The Playmaker” and “The Mouth” for his ability to make big plays on the field and talk trash to his opponents.
However, Irvin also had several run-ins with the law that tarnished his reputation and threatened his career. Some of his most notable incidents include:
- In 1996, he was arrested for cocaine possession along with two women at a motel room in Irving, Texas.
- In 2000, he was accused of sexual assault by a woman who claimed he held her at gunpoint at another motel room in Irving.
- In 2005, he was arrested for misdemeanor drug possession after police found a pipe with marijuana residue in his car during a traffic stop.
- In 2007, he was accused of sexual assault by another woman who claimed he raped her at a hotel room in Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino near Hollywood.
- In 2023, he filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Marriott Hotels after an employee falsely accused him of sexual assault at another hotel room near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Irvin has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct and has never been convicted of any felony charges.
Michael Irvin’s Post-NFL Career as an Analyst
After retiring from football, Michael Irvin pursued a career as an analyst and commentator
for various media outlets. He has worked for ESPN, NFL Network, Fox Sports, and SiriusXM Radio.
He has also appeared on several reality shows, such as Dancing with the Stars, Celebrity Apprentice, and Pros vs Joes.
Irvin is known for his outspoken and passionate opinions on football topics, as well as his humorous and sometimes controversial antics.
He often wears flashy suits and jewelry on air, and has engaged in heated debates with other analysts and former players.
