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 player and current sports commentator. He played his entire 12-year NFL career as a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. Recognized as one of the greatest wide receivers in football history, Irvin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1963: Career of Jim Ray Smith

In 1963, Jim Ray Smith began his career before eventually joining the Cowboys (1963-64).

1987: National Championship with Miami Hurricanes

In 1987, Michael Irvin was a member of the University of Miami's national championship team, contributing a crucial touchdown pass in a victory against Florida State.

September 3, 1988: First NFL Touchdown

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

December 11, 1988: Three Touchdown Passes Against Redskins

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

1988: Orange Bowl Appearance

In 1988, Michael Irvin and the Miami Hurricanes played in the Orange Bowl against the top-ranked Oklahoma Sooners.

1988: Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys

In 1988, Michael Irvin was drafted in the first round of the NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys, after playing college football for the Miami Hurricanes.

1988: Declared for the NFL Draft

In 1988, following his junior year, Michael Irvin announced he was forgoing his final year of college eligibility and declared for the 1988 NFL draft.

1991: Reaching the Playoffs

In 1991, Michael Irvin played a major role in helping the Cowboys reach the playoffs, with 93 receptions and 1,523 receiving yards.

1991: Start of 1,000-Yard Seasons

In 1991, Michael Irvin started a streak of 1,000-yard seasons.

1992: NFC Championship and Super Bowl Win

In 1992, Michael Irvin and the Cowboys made an appearance in the NFC Championship Game and captured a Super Bowl championship.

1992: Key Player on Super Bowl Team

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

1993: Second Super Bowl Win

In 1993, Michael Irvin and "The Triplets" secured their second Super Bowl victory with the Dallas Cowboys.

1993: Key Player on Super Bowl Team

In 1993, Michael Irvin played a key role on the Cowboys' Super Bowl-winning team.

1993: Standout Performance in Super Bowl XXVII

In Super Bowl XXVII in 1993, Michael Irvin had a standout performance, catching six passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills.

1994: Productive Game in NFC Championship

In 1994, despite the Cowboys losing the NFC Championship Game, Michael Irvin had a productive game with 12 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns.

1995: Best Season with the Cowboys

1995 was Michael Irvin's best season with the Cowboys, setting franchise records for receptions and receiving yards and contributing significantly to their Super Bowl XXX win.

1995: Super Bowl XXX Win

In 1995, Michael Irvin and the Cowboys captured Super Bowl XXX.

1996: Career of Ray Childress

In 1996, Ray Childress wrapped up his NFL career with the Cowboys.

1997: Solid Seasons After Injury

In 1997, Michael Irvin had a solid year after recovering from a collar bone injury.

1998: End of 1,000-Yard Seasons

1998 marked the end of Michael Irvin's impressive streak of 1,000-yard seasons.

1998: Solid Seasons After Injury

In 1998, Michael Irvin had another solid year after recovering from a collar bone injury.

October 10, 1999: Sustained Career-Ending Injury

On October 10, 1999, Michael Irvin sustained a career-ending cervical spine injury after being tackled by Tim Hauck during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

1999: Final Season with the Cowboys

1999 marked Michael Irvin's final season playing for the Dallas Cowboys, before a cervical fracture against the Philadelphia Eagles forced his retirement.

May 2000: Announced Retirement

In May 2000, after being advised by doctors, Michael Irvin announced his retirement from professional football due to a cervical spine injury.

December 1, 2005: ESPN Suspends Irvin

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

2005: Eligibility for Pro Football Hall of Fame

In 2005, Michael Irvin became eligible for induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2005: Co-star in The Longest Yard remake

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

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February 17, 2007: Departure from ESPN

On February 17, 2007, ESPN announced that Michael Irvin was no longer with the network.

January 2008: Rejoins ESPN Radio

In January 2008, Michael Irvin rejoined ESPN as a host on ESPN Radio station KESN in Dallas, hosting The Michael Irvin Show.

February 5, 2010: Departure from ESPN Radio

On February 5, 2010, Michael Irvin's locally aired program on ESPN Radio, The Michael Irvin Show, ended, and he was let go after his contract expired, with declining ratings and news of a lawsuit expediting the situation.

August 2011: Investment in Elite Football League of India

In August 2011, Michael Irvin was announced as one of the primary investors and advisers for the Elite Football League of India, along with other prominent figures.