Michael Jerome Irvin is an American sports commentator and former professional football player. He played his entire 12-year career as a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. In 2007, Irvin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
March 5, 1966: Birth of Michael Irvin
Michael Jerome Irvin was born on March 5, 1966.
September 3, 1988: First NFL Touchdown
Michael Irvin scored his first NFL touchdown in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on September 3, 1988.
December 11, 1988: Three Touchdown Performance Against the Redskins
Michael Irvin had a standout game against the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium on December 11, 1988, catching three touchdown passes and contributing to one of the Cowboys' few wins that season.
1988: Orange Bowl Appearance
Michael Irvin and the Miami Hurricanes competed in the 1988 Orange Bowl, a testament to their successful season.
1988: NFL Draft Selection
Michael Irvin was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 1988 NFL draft, marking the beginning of his professional football career.
1988: Draft Selection by the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys selected Michael Irvin as the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 1988 NFL Draft, a move orchestrated by the team's long-time leadership, including General Manager Tex Schramm, Player Personnel Director Gil Brandt, and Head Coach Tom Landry.
October 15, 1989: Knee Injury Sidelines Irvin
Michael Irvin's 1989 season was cut short due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, sustained during a game against the San Francisco 49ers on October 15, 1989. This injury also caused him to miss the start of the 1990 season.
1990: Continued Recovery and Performance Despite Limited Games
Despite playing a limited number of games in 1990 due to his recovery from a knee injury, Michael Irvin still made significant contributions to the Dallas Cowboys, showcasing his talent and dedication.
1990: Marriage to Sandy Harrell
In 1990, Michael Irvin married Sandy Harrell. The couple has one daughter and two sons together, and Irvin also has another daughter from a previous relationship.
1990: Return from Injury
Michael Irvin returned to the field in 1990 after recovering from a knee injury, demonstrating his resilience and determination.
1991: 1,000-Yard Season
In 1991, Michael Irvin began a streak of recording 1,000-yard seasons in all but one year through 1998, amassing 10,265 yards over this period.
1991: Pro Bowl Selection
In 1991, Michael Irvin was selected to the Pro Bowl, marking one of his five career Pro Bowl selections.
1991: Breakout Season and Pro Bowl Selection
Michael Irvin had a remarkable season in 1991, establishing himself as a premier wide receiver in the NFL. He led the league in receiving yards and earned his first Pro Bowl selection, marking the beginning of a string of consecutive Pro Bowl appearances.
1992: MVP of the 1992 Pro Bowl
Michael Irvin was named the MVP of the 1992 Pro Bowl (following the 1991 season) after an impressive performance where he caught eight passes for 125 yards and a touchdown on February 2, 1992.
1992: First Super Bowl Victory with the Dallas Cowboys
Michael Irvin, as part of "The Triplets" alongside Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith, contributed to the Dallas Cowboys' victory in Super Bowl XXVII in 1992.
1992: Key Player in Super Bowl Championship Team
Michael Irvin played a crucial role in the Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl championship season in 1992, contributing to the team's offensive success.
1992: NFC Championship Game Appearance
In 1992, Michael Irvin and the Cowboys made an appearance in the NFC Championship Game, contributing to their successful run in the early 1990s.
1993: Contribution to Another Super Bowl Victory
Michael Irvin continued to be a key player for the Dallas Cowboys in 1993, helping the team secure their second consecutive Super Bowl victory.
1993: Super Bowl XXVIII Victory
Michael Irvin contributed to the Dallas Cowboys' victory over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVIII in 1993, solidifying the team's dominance in the early 1990s.
1993: Record-Setting Performance in Super Bowl XXVII
Michael Irvin etched his name in Super Bowl history with his outstanding performance in Super Bowl XXVII in 1993. He set records for the fastest pair of touchdowns scored by a single player and became the second player to score two touchdowns in a single quarter.
1993: Second Super Bowl Victory with the Dallas Cowboys
Michael Irvin played a key role in the Dallas Cowboys' second consecutive Super Bowl win in 1993, this time in Super Bowl XXVIII.
1994: Record-Breaking Playoff Performance
Michael Irvin delivered a record-breaking performance in the 1994 NFC Championship Game despite the Cowboys' loss to the San Francisco 49ers. His exceptional performance solidified his legacy as a clutch player.
1995: Super Bowl XXX Victory
Michael Irvin played a key role in the Dallas Cowboys' victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX in 1995, securing the team's third Super Bowl win in four seasons.
1995: Third Super Bowl Victory with the Dallas Cowboys
Michael Irvin was instrumental in the Dallas Cowboys' third Super Bowl triumph in four seasons, securing victory in Super Bowl XXX in 1995.
1995: Record-Breaking Season and Super Bowl Appearance
Michael Irvin had a career-defining season in 1995, setting franchise records for receptions and receiving yards while leading the Cowboys to Super Bowl XXX.
1995: NFC Championship Game Appearance
In 1995, Michael Irvin and the Cowboys appeared in the NFC Championship Game, continuing their dominance in the NFL during that period.
1996: Sexual Assault Allegations
In 1996, media reports alleged that Michael Irvin and teammate Erik Williams had sexually assaulted a Dallas Cheerleader under the influence of cocaine, a claim that brought significant controversy.
1997: Return to Form After Injury
Michael Irvin showcased his resilience and determination by returning to form in 1997 following a collarbone injury, continuing to be a valuable asset to the Dallas Cowboys.
July 29, 1998: Assault on Teammate
On July 29, 1998, Michael Irvin allegedly assaulted fellow Cowboys offensive lineman Everett McIver over a dispute in a barber's shop, leading to a brawl.
1998: 1,000-Yard Season
In 1998, Michael Irvin continued his impressive performance by recording another 1,000-yard season, adding to his career total.
1998: Continued Success on the Field
Michael Irvin maintained his high level of play in 1998, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier wide receivers.
October 10, 1999: Career-Ending Injury
On October 10, 1999, Michael Irvin suffered a severe cervical spine injury during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Veterans Stadium, leading to his retirement from professional football.
1999: Career-Altering Neck Injury
Michael Irvin's NFL career came to an abrupt end in 1999 due to a severe neck injury sustained during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This injury led to his diagnosis with cervical spinal stenosis and ultimately forced him to retire.
February 12, 2000: Passing of Tom Landry
Tom Landry, the legendary coach of the Dallas Cowboys, passed away on February 12, 2000. Michael Irvin was the last active NFL player who had played under Landry's coaching.
May 2000: Retirement from the NFL
In May 2000, Michael Irvin officially announced his retirement from the NFL following a career-ending 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, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the university's sports programs.
June 2001: Arrest for Cocaine Possession
In June 2001, Michael Irvin was arrested for felony cocaine possession in a Dallas apartment. Charges against Irvin were later dropped.
2001: Turned Life Over to Christ
In early 2001, Michael Irvin turned his life over to Christ with the help of Pastor T.D. Jakes and fellow believer Deion Sanders, marking a significant spiritual change in his life.
September 19, 2005: Induction into Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
On September 19, 2005, Michael Irvin, along with his former Cowboy teammates Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith, was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor.
November 25, 2005: Arrest for Speeding and Drug Paraphernalia
On November 25, 2005, Michael Irvin was pulled over for speeding in Plano, Texas, and arrested for an outstanding warrant and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
December 1, 2005: Suspension from ESPN
On December 1, 2005, ESPN suspended Michael Irvin from the Sunday and Monday night Countdown shows following his arrest. He later returned without consequence.
2005: Eligibility for Pro Football Hall of Fame
In 2005, Michael Irvin became eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, eventually being selected in his third year of eligibility.
2005: Irvin Stars in "The Longest Yard" Remake
Michael Irvin was part of the ensemble cast in the 2005 remake of "The Longest Yard," a football comedy starring Adam Sandler and Chris Rock.
November 2006: Irvin Makes Controversial Joke About Tony Romo's Heritage
In November 2006, Michael Irvin sparked controversy when he joked on a radio show that Tony Romo's athleticism might be due to African-American ancestry, making an inappropriate remark about Romo's family history. Irvin later apologized, distinguishing between his on-air persona and personal relationships.
2006: Irvin's Brother Passes Away
Michael Irvin's older brother, who was homosexual, passed away in 2006 due to stomach cancer. This event deeply impacted Irvin's views and contributed to his personal growth.
February 3, 2007: Induction into Pro Football Hall of Fame
On February 3, 2007, Michael Irvin was selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, marking a significant milestone in his football career.
February 17, 2007: Irvin Leaves ESPN Amidst Controversy
On February 17, 2007, ESPN announced Michael Irvin's departure from the network, thanking him for his contributions. This followed a series of incidents, including controversial remarks and a lawsuit, leading to his release.
2007: Selection for Texas Sports Hall of Fame
In 2007, Michael Irvin was selected for induction into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, highlighting his significant impact on the sport.
2007: Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
In 2007, Michael Irvin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his illustrious career with the Dallas Cowboys.
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, recognizing him as one of the top 33 football players in the state's 100-year history of high school football.
January 2008: Irvin Returns to ESPN Radio in Dallas
In January 2008, Michael Irvin rejoined ESPN as a host on their Dallas radio station, KESN. This marked a return to the network after his departure the previous year.
February 2008: Induction into Texas Sports Hall of Fame
In February 2008, Michael Irvin was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame as part of the 2007 class during a ceremony in Waco, Texas.
November 2008: Praise from Teammate
In November 2008, Michael Irvin's Cowboys teammate Daryl Johnston praised him as the hardest working player on the team, noting his inspirational role despite some wrong decisions.
January 12, 2009: Carjacking Attempt
On January 12, 2009, Michael Irvin claimed he was a victim of a possible carjacking attempt in Dallas. The investigation was later suspended due to lack of cooperation from Irvin.
2009: Dancing with the Stars Appearance
In 2009, Michael Irvin participated in Season 9 of the popular dance competition show "Dancing with the Stars." He was the ninth contestant to be eliminated.
February 5, 2010: Irvin Departs ESPN Radio Show
Michael Irvin's time with ESPN Radio ended on February 5, 2010, when his contract was not renewed. The network cited declining ratings and a pending lawsuit as factors in their decision.
January 2011: Settlement of Defamation Countersuit
In January 2011, Michael Irvin settled a $100 million defamation countersuit related to a sexual assault accusation, ending the legal battle.
November 11, 2011: Irvin Appears in "Jack & Jill"
Michael Irvin had a role in the Adam Sandler comedy "Jack & Jill," which was released on November 11, 2011.
2011: Irvin Opens Up About His Late Brother's Sexuality
In 2011, Michael Irvin gave an interview to Out magazine where he spoke candidly about his homosexual older brother, who passed away in 2006. He discussed his journey from initial homophobia to acceptance and understanding.
February 2017: Irvin Admits to Super Bowl XXVII Halftime Escapade
During a February 2017 appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Michael Irvin confessed to sneaking out of the locker room during halftime of Super Bowl XXVII to watch Michael Jackson's performance.
March 22, 2017: Sexual Assault Investigation
On March 22, 2017, Fort Lauderdale police investigated Michael Irvin for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman. The case was later closed without charges.
2017: Irvin Takes on Supporting Role in "Slamma Jamma"
In 2017, Michael Irvin showcased his acting skills in a supporting role as a sports agent in the basketball drama "Slamma Jamma."
February 2023: Removed from Super Bowl LVII Coverage
In February 2023, Michael Irvin was removed from NFL Network's coverage of Super Bowl LVII following allegations of sexual misconduct. Irvin denied any wrongdoing.
July 2023: Irvin Becomes Investor in Asset Entities
In July 2023, Michael Irvin expanded his investment portfolio by becoming a primary investor and advisor for Asset Entities, a company backed by prominent entities like TRITON FUNDS.