History of Michael Irvin in Timeline

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

1963: Jim Ray Smith Career

In 1963, Jim Ray Smith began his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns and later finished his career with the Cowboys (1963–64).

March 5, 1966: Michael Irvin's Birth

On March 5, 1966, Michael Jerome Irvin was born. He is an American sports commentator and former professional football wide receiver.

Others born on this day/year

1987: National Championship with the University of Miami

In 1987, Michael Irvin was a member of the University of Miami's national championship team and made a crucial touchdown against Florida State.

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: Orange Bowl Appearance

In 1988, Michael Irvin and the Miami Hurricanes appeared in the Orange Bowl against the top-ranked Oklahoma Sooners after a victory over Florida State.

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.

October 15, 1989: Tore ACL Against 49ers

On October 15, 1989, Michael Irvin tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in a game against the San Francisco 49ers and was placed on the injured reserve list for the rest of the 1989 season.

1990: Limited Reception Season

In 1990, Michael Irvin did not register his first reception until the seventh game and finished the season with just 20 receptions for 413 yards.

1990: Marriage to Sandy Harrell

In 1990, Michael Irvin married Sandy Harrell.

1990: Injured Reserve List

In 1990, Michael Irvin remained on the injured reserve list for the first three games of the season following his ACL injury in 1989.

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: Played in the Pro Bowl

In 1992, Michael Irvin played in the Pro Bowl

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.

1996: Sexual Assault Allegation

In 1996, Michael Irvin faced media reports alleging that he and Erik Williams sexually assaulted a Dallas cheerleader while under the influence of cocaine.

1996: Ray Childress Career

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

1997: Solid year after collar bone injury

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

July 29, 1998: Assault on Everett McIver

On July 29, 1998, Michael Irvin assaulted fellow Cowboys offensive lineman Everett McIver over a barber's chair dispute.

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.

October 10, 1999: Career-Ending Injury

On October 10, 1999, Michael Irvin sustained a cervical spine injury after being tackled by Tim Hauck, forcing him to retire from the NFL.

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.

February 12, 2000: Death of Tom Landry

On February 12, 2000, Tom Landry, the last coach of Michael Irvin, passed away. Irvin's injury occurred before his retirement announcement.

May 2000: Retirement Announcement

In May 2000, Michael Irvin announced his retirement from the NFL after being advised to stop playing football due to cervical spinal stenosis.

2000: Induction into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame

In 2000, Michael Irvin was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.

June 2001: Arrested for Felony Cocaine Possession

In June 2001, Michael Irvin was arrested for felony cocaine possession in a Dallas apartment with an unrelated woman after police found drugs during a search. Charges against Irvin were later dropped.

2001: Turned life over to Christ

In early 2001, Michael Irvin turned his life over to Christ with help from Pastor T. D. Jakes and Deion Sanders.

September 19, 2005: Induction into the 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: Arrested for Outstanding Warrant and Drug Paraphernalia Possession

On November 25, 2005, Michael Irvin was pulled over in Plano, Texas, for speeding and arrested on an outstanding warrant for an unpaid speeding ticket. He was also cited for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia after police found a pipe and marijuana residue in his car. Irvin was later released on bond.

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: Eligible for Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

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

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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November 2006: Controversial Radio Interview

In November 2006, during a radio interview on Dan Patrick's radio show, Michael Irvin made controversial jokes about Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's heritage. Irvin later apologized for his remarks.

2006: Death of Michael Irvin's brother

In 2006, Michael Irvin's older brother died of stomach cancer.

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 Communications Vice President Josh Krulewitz thanked Michael for his contributions.

July 4, 2007: Accused of Sexual Assault

On July 4, 2007, Michael Irvin was accused of sexual assault at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Charges were never filed.

August 4, 2007: Induction into Pro Football Hall of Fame

On August 4, 2007, Michael Irvin was formally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Canton, Ohio.

October 14, 2007: Accepted Hall of Fame Ring at Texas Stadium

On October 14, 2007, Michael Irvin accepted his Hall of Fame ring at Texas Stadium during halftime of the Cowboys–New England Patriots game and proposed that all drafted rookies tour the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2007: Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

In 2007, Michael Irvin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2007: Named to Florida High School Athletic Association's All-Century Team

In 2007, Michael Irvin was named to the Florida High School Athletic Association's All-Century Team.

2007: Selected for induction into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame

In 2007, Michael Irvin was selected for induction into the 2007 class of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

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 2008: Induction Ceremony to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame

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

In November 2008, Daryl Johnston described Michael Irvin as the hardest working guy on the team and an inspiration.

January 12, 2009: Possible Carjacking Attempt

On January 12, 2009, Michael Irvin reported a possible carjacking attempt while stopped at a light in Dallas. He claimed two men flashed a gun but drove away after recognizing him as a Cowboys fan.

2009: Competed on Dancing with the Stars

In 2009, Michael Irvin competed in Season 9 of "Dancing with the Stars" and was the season's ninth contestant to be eliminated.

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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.

2010: Civil Suit Filed Against Irvin

In 2010, a civil suit was filed against Michael Irvin related to the alleged sexual assault incident that occurred in 2007.

January 2011: Defamation Countersuit Dropped in Settlement

In January 2011, Michael Irvin's $100 million defamation countersuit, which he filed in response to the sexual assault accusations from 2007, was dropped when the case was settled out of court.

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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2011: Spoke about Homosexual Brother

In 2011, Michael Irvin spoke to Out magazine about his homosexual older brother, explaining how his brother's struggle influenced his understanding and acceptance of others.

February 2017: Admitted Sneaking Out of Super Bowl Halftime

During a February 2017 episode of The Rich Eisen Show, Michael Irvin admitted to sneaking out of the locker room during halftime of Super Bowl XXVII to watch Michael Jackson perform.

March 22, 2017: Fort Lauderdale Police Investigate Sexual Assault Allegation

On March 22, 2017, Fort Lauderdale police investigated Michael Irvin for an alleged sexual assault in Florida. Irvin denied the allegations.

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.