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 football wide receiver who played his entire 12-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. He was a key member of the Cowboys' dynasty in the 1990s, contributing significantly to their three Super Bowl victories. Known for his passionate and physical playing style, Irvin earned the nickname "Playmaker." His accomplishments led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007. Since retiring from professional football, Irvin has worked as a sports commentator.
1963: Jim Ray Smith Career with the Cowboys
Jim Ray Smith finished his career with the Cowboys from 1963-64.
1987: National Championship
In 1987, Michael Irvin was a member of the University of Miami's national championship team.
September 3, 1988: First NFL Touchdown
On September 3, 1988, Michael Irvin caught his first NFL career touchdown in the opening game of his rookie season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
December 11, 1988: Three Touchdown Game
On December 11, 1988, Michael Irvin caught three touchdown passes in the Cowboys' win over the Washington Redskins.
1988: Declared Eligibility for NFL Draft
In 1988, Michael Irvin announced he would be skipping his final year of college and declaring eligibility for the NFL draft.
1988: Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys
In 1988, Michael Irvin was selected as the 11th pick in the first round of the NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
1991: 1000-Yard Season
From 1991 through 1998, Michael Irvin recorded 1,000-yard seasons in all but one year, racking up an impressive 10,292 yards over an eight-year span.
1991: NFL Leader in Receiving Yards
In 1991, Michael Irvin led the NFL in receiving yards and was named to the Pro Bowl.
1991: Pro Bowl MVP
In 1991, Michael Irvin was named the MVP of the Pro Bowl.
1992: NFC Championship Appearances
From 1992 to 1995, the Cowboys made four straight appearances in the NFC Championship Game with Michael Irvin, capturing three Super Bowl championships.
1992: Super Bowl Key Player
In 1992, Michael Irvin was a key player on the Cowboys' Super Bowl team.
1992: Key Playmaker
In 1992, Michael Irvin was a key playmaker for the Dallas Cowboys that won 6 division titles and three Super Bowls.
1993: Super Bowl XXVIII Victory
In 1993, Michael Irvin contributed to the Cowboys' victory in Super Bowl XXVIII against the Buffalo Bills, recording five receptions for 66 yards.
1993: Second Super Bowl Win
In 1993, Michael Irvin, as part of "The Triplets," secured another Super Bowl victory with the Dallas Cowboys.
1994: NFC Championship Game Record
In 1994, Michael Irvin had a record-setting performance in the NFC Championship Game.
1995: NFC Championship Appearances
From 1992 to 1995, the Cowboys made four straight appearances in the NFC Championship Game with Michael Irvin, capturing three Super Bowl championships.
1995: Third Super Bowl Win
In 1995, Michael Irvin and the Cowboys achieved their third Super Bowl win, cementing their dominance in the NFL.
1995: Record-Setting Season
In 1995, Michael Irvin had a record-setting season with the Cowboys, setting franchise records for receptions and receiving yards, and setting an NFL record with 11 games with over 100 receiving yards.
1995: Super Bowl XXX Victory
In 1995, Michael Irvin helped the Cowboys win Super Bowl XXX against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with five receptions for 76 yards.
1996: Ray Childress Career with the Cowboys
Ray Childress wrapped up his NFL career with the Cowboys in 1996.
1997: Solid Year
In 1997, Michael Irvin had a solid year after recovering from a collar bone injury.
1998: 1000-Yard Season
From 1991 through 1998, Michael Irvin recorded 1,000-yard seasons in all but one year, racking up an impressive 10,292 yards over an eight-year span.
October 10, 1999: Career-Ending Injury
On October 10, 1999, Michael Irvin sustained a career-ending cervical fracture during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, leading to his abrupt departure from the NFL.
1999: Career-Ending Injury
In 1999, Michael Irvin sustained a career-ending cervical spine injury during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
May 2000: Retirement Announcement
In May 2000, Michael Irvin announced his retirement from the NFL after being advised to stop playing due to a cervical spine injury.
December 1, 2005: ESPN Suspends Irvin After Arrest
On December 1, 2005, ESPN suspended Michael Irvin from its Sunday and Monday night Countdown shows following his arrest for drug paraphernalia. He returned to the shows with no mention of the incident.
February 17, 2007: Irvin No Longer with ESPN
On February 17, 2007, ESPN announced that Michael Irvin was no longer with the network. ESPN thanked him for his contributions and wished him well.
January 2008: Irvin Rejoins ESPN
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: Irvin's ESPN Radio Show Ends
On February 5, 2010, Michael Irvin's locally aired program, 'The Michael Irvin Show,' ended after his contract expired, with ESPN citing declining ratings and a lawsuit filed against Irvin.
February 2023: NFL Network Removes Irvin from Super Bowl Coverage
In February 2023, NFL Network removed Michael Irvin from its Super Bowl LVII coverage due to allegations of sexual misconduct toward a woman. Irvin denied any wrongdoing, citing intoxication and lack of recollection.
July 2023: Irvin Invests in Asset Entities
In July 2023, Michael Irvin joined Asset Entities as a primary investor and advisor.
