History of Michael Irvin in Timeline
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.
March 5, 1966: Michael Irvin Born
On March 5, 1966, Michael Jerome Irvin was born. He would grow up to become a celebrated American sports commentator and former professional football player.
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.
1988: Orange Bowl
Michael Irvin played in the 1988 Orange Bowl against the top-ranked Oklahoma Sooners.
October 15, 1989: ACL Tear
On October 15, 1989, Michael Irvin tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in a game against the San Francisco 49ers.
1990: Limited Receptions
In 1990, Michael Irvin had a season with limited receptions, registering his first reception in the seventh game.
1990: Marriage to Sandy Harrell
In 1990, Michael Irvin married Sandy Harrell.
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: Assault Allegations
In 1996, Michael Irvin faced media reports about allegations of sexual assault.
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.
July 29, 1998: Assault Allegation
On July 29, 1998, Michael Irvin allegedly assaulted Everett McIver.
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.
February 12, 2000: Tom Landry's Death
On February 12, 2000, Tom Landry died, several months after Michael Irvin's injury but before Irvin announced his retirement.
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.
2000: Induction into University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame
In 2000, Michael Irvin was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.
June 2001: Arrest for Cocaine Possession
In June 2001, Michael Irvin was arrested for felony cocaine possession.
2001: Turned Life Over to Christ
In early 2001, Michael Irvin turned his life over to Christ.
September 19, 2005: Inducted into Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
On September 19, 2005, Michael Irvin, along with Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith, was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor.
November 25, 2005: Michael Irvin Arrested for Drug Paraphernalia
On November 25, 2005, Michael Irvin was pulled over for speeding in Plano, Texas, leading to his arrest on an outstanding warrant and a citation for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia after a search of his car revealed a pipe and marijuana residue.
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.
2005: Hall of Fame Eligibility
In 2005, Michael Irvin became eligible for induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
2005: Irvin Co-Stars in "The Longest Yard" Remake
In 2005, Michael Irvin co-starred in the remake of "The Longest Yard," alongside Adam Sandler and Chris Rock.
November 2006: Irvin Makes Controversial Remarks About Tony Romo
In November 2006, during a radio interview, Michael Irvin made controversial remarks about Tony Romo's heritage, suggesting Romo's athletic ability might be due to African-American heritage. Irvin later apologized for the comments.
2006: Death of Irvin's Brother
Michael Irvin's homosexual older brother died of stomach cancer in 2006. Irvin claimed his initial feelings of homophobia in relation to his brother led to womanizing during his playing days.
February 3, 2007: Selected for Pro Football Hall of Fame
On February 3, 2007, Michael Irvin was selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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.
2007: Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame
In 2007, Michael Irvin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, marking a pinnacle in his celebrated career.
2007: All-Century Team Selection
In 2007, Michael Irvin was named to the Florida High School Athletic Association's All-Century Team.
2007: Texas Sports Hall of Fame Selection
In 2007, Michael Irvin was selected for induction into the 2007 class of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
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 2008: Texas Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
In February 2008, Michael Irvin was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Waco, Texas.
November 2008: Daryl Johnston's comments about Irvin
In November 2008, Daryl Johnston commented on Michael Irvin's work ethic and leadership.
January 12, 2009: Irvin Claims Carjacking Attempt
On January 12, 2009, Michael Irvin reported a possible carjacking attempt in Dallas, claiming two men flashed a gun at him. The police investigation was later suspended due to Irvin's lack of cooperation.
2009: Dancing with the Stars
In 2009, Michael Irvin participated in Season 9 of "Dancing with the Stars," where he was the ninth contestant to be eliminated.
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.
2010: Civil Suit Filed Against Irvin
In 2010, a civil suit was filed against Michael Irvin related to a sexual assault accusation that occurred in 2007. Irvin then filed a $100 million defamation countersuit.
January 2011: Irvin Defamation Countersuit Dropped After Settlement
In January 2011, Michael Irvin's $100 million defamation countersuit, which was filed in response to a civil suit related to a 2007 sexual assault allegation, was dropped when the case was settled out of court.
November 11, 2011: Irvin Guest Stars in "Jack & Jill"
On November 11, 2011, Michael Irvin guest starred in Adam Sandler's film "Jack & Jill".
2011: Irvin Discusses Homophobia and Acceptance
In 2011, Michael Irvin spoke to Out magazine about his homosexual older brother and how his death in 2006 led to his eventual acceptance and understanding of others.
February 2017: Irvin Admits to Sneaking Out of Super Bowl XXVII Halftime
In February 2017, Michael Irvin admitted on The Rich Eisen Show that he snuck out of the locker room during halftime of Super Bowl XXVII to watch Michael Jackson perform.
March 22, 2017: Irvin Investigated for Alleged Sexual Assault
On March 22, 2017, Fort Lauderdale police investigated Michael Irvin for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in Florida. Irvin denied the allegations, and the case was closed without charges on July 24.
2017: Irvin Appears in Basketball Drama "Slamma Jamma"
In 2017, Michael Irvin had a supporting role as a sleazy sports agent in the basketball drama "Slamma Jamma".
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.
