Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael Irvin

Discover the career path of Michael Irvin, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Michael Irvin is a former American professional football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. He played in the NFL for 12 seasons and was a key part of the Cowboys' success in the 1990s, contributing to their three Super Bowl victories. Irvin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007. After his playing career, Irvin transitioned to a career as a sports commentator.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

September 3, 1988: First NFL Career Touchdown

On September 3, 1988, Michael Irvin, as a rookie in the opening game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, caught his first NFL career touchdown.

December 11, 1988: Three Touchdown Passes in Win Over Redskins

On December 11, 1988, Michael Irvin caught three touchdown passes in the Cowboys' win over the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium.

1988: Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys

In 1988, Michael Irvin was selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the 11th pick in the first round of the NFL draft. It was predicted Irvin would accelerate the Cowboys' return to the living.

1988: Declared Eligibility for the NFL Draft

In 1988, following his junior year at the University of Miami, Michael Irvin announced he was skipping his final year of college eligibility and declaring for the 1988 NFL draft.

1991: Start of impressive yardage run

From 1991, Michael Irvin began recording 1,000-yard seasons in all but one year, racking up an impressive 10,292 yards over an eight-year span.

1991: Major Factor in Playoffs and Pro Bowl Selection

In 1991, Michael Irvin played a major role in the Cowboys reaching the playoffs, finishing with 93 receptions and 1,523 receiving yards, and was named to the 1991 Pro Bowl.

1991: Named MVP of the Pro Bowl

In 1991, Michael Irvin was named the MVP of the 1992 Pro Bowl after catching eight passes for 125 yards and a touchdown.

1992: Key player on Super Bowl team

In 1992, Michael Irvin was a key player on the Cowboys' Super Bowl team.

1992: Super Bowl Win

In 1992, Michael Irvin, along with Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith, led the Dallas Cowboys to a Super Bowl win.

1993: Standout performance in Super Bowl XXVII

In 1993, Michael Irvin had one of his greatest performances in Super Bowl XXVII, where he caught six passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills.

1993: Second Super Bowl Win

In 1993, Michael Irvin was a key offensive player as the Cowboys achieved a second Super Bowl victory.

1993: Key player on Super Bowl team

In 1993, Michael Irvin was a key player on the Cowboys' Super Bowl team.

1994: Productive NFC Championship Game

In 1994, Michael Irvin had a productive NFC Championship game, with 12 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns, though the Cowboys lost to the 49ers.

1995: Record-Setting Season

In 1995, Michael Irvin had his best season with the Cowboys, setting franchise records for receptions and receiving yards, and had seven receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game, and won Super Bowl XXX against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

1995: Third Super Bowl Win

In 1995, Michael Irvin helped the Dallas Cowboys secure their third Super Bowl win.

1997: Solid year after collar bone injury

In 1997, Michael Irvin returned to have a solid year after recovering from his collar bone injury.

1998: End of impressive yardage run

1998 was the last year that Michael Irvin recorded 1,000-yard seasons. From 1991 to 1998, Irvin recorded 1,000-yard seasons in all but one year, racking up an impressive 10,292 yards over an eight-year span. Along the way, the Cowboys made four straight appearances in the NFC Championship Game and captured three Super Bowl championships.

1998: Solid year after collar bone injury

In 1998, Michael Irvin returned to have a solid year after recovering from his collar bone injury.

1999: Final season with the Cowboys

In 1999, Michael Irvin played his final season with the Dallas Cowboys before sustaining a cervical fracture, which eventually led to his retirement.

December 1, 2005: ESPN Suspends Irvin

On December 1, 2005, in response to his arrest, ESPN suspended Michael Irvin from the Sunday and Monday night Countdown shows on December 4 and 5, 2005.

2005: Co-starred in "The Longest Yard" Remake

In 2005, Michael Irvin co-starred in the remake of "The Longest Yard", starring Adam Sandler and Chris Rock.

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February 17, 2007: Irvin No Longer with ESPN

On February 17, 2007, ESPN announced that Michael Irvin was no longer with the network. ESPN Communications Vice President Josh Krulewitz thanked Michael for his contributions.

January 2008: Irvin Rejoined ESPN

In January 2008, Michael Irvin rejoined ESPN as a host on ESPN Radio owned and operation station KESN (103.3 FM) in Dallas, hosting The Michael Irvin Show.

February 5, 2010: Michael Irvin Show Ended

On February 5, 2010, The Michael Irvin Show, airing on ESPN Radio station KESN (103.3 FM) in Dallas, ended, and Irvin was let go after his contract expired. Declining ratings and news of a lawsuit expedited the situation.

August 2011: Investor and Advisor for Elite Football League of India

In August 2011, officials announced Michael Irvin as an investor and advisor for the Elite Football League of India, along with other NFL figures.

November 11, 2011: Guest Starred in "Jack & Jill"

On November 11, 2011, Michael Irvin guest-starred in Adam Sandler's film "Jack & Jill".

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2017: Role in Basketball Drama "Slamma Jamma"

In 2017, Michael Irvin had a supporting role as a sleazy sports agent in the basketball drama "Slamma Jamma".

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February 2023: NFL Network Removes Irvin from Super Bowl Coverage

In February 2023, NFL Network removed Michael Irvin from its coverage of Super Bowl LVII after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. Irvin denied any wrongdoing.