History of Michael Irvin in Timeline

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).

March 5, 1966: Michael Irvin's Birth

On March 5, 1966, Michael Jerome Irvin was born. He would become a sports commentator and former professional football player.

Others born on this day/year

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.

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.

1990: Limited Receptions

In 1990, Michael Irvin finished the season with just 20 receptions after returning from an ACL injury.

1990: Marriage to Sandy Harrell

In 1990, Michael Irvin married Sandy Harrell.

1990: Missed Games Due to Injury

In 1990, Michael Irvin missed the first three games of the season due to his ACL injury sustained in 1989.

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.

1991: Pro Bowl Selection

In 1991, Michael Irvin was selected to the 1991 Pro Bowl, the first of five consecutive Pro Bowl selections.

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.

1992: Pro Bowl MVP

In 1992, Michael Irvin was named the MVP of the 1992 Pro Bowl (following the 1991 season).

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.

1996: Sexual Assault Allegations

In 1996, media reports alleged that Michael Irvin and teammate Erik Williams sexually assaulted a Dallas Cheerleader, Nina Shahravan. However, the claims were later retracted.

1997: Solid Seasons After Injury

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

July 29, 1998: Assault on Everett McIver

On July 29, 1998, Michael Irvin assaulted fellow Cowboys offensive lineman Everett McIver after demanding he relinquish a barber's chair. The dispute escalated into a brawl involving teammate Leon Lett.

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.

February 12, 2000: Death of Tom Landry

On February 12, 2000, Tom Landry, the coach of Michael Irvin, passed away before Irvin announced 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.

2000: Inducted 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: Arrest for Cocaine Possession

In June 2001, Michael Irvin was arrested for felony cocaine possession in a Dallas apartment. Although he was arrested along with a woman, the 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 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: Arrest for Speeding and Drug Paraphernalia

On November 25, 2005, Michael Irvin was arrested in Plano, Texas, for speeding and an outstanding warrant. A subsequent search of his car led to a citation for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, including a pipe and plastic bags with marijuana residue.

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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November 2006: Controversial Radio Interview

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

2006: Death of Brother

In 2006, Michael Irvin's older brother died of stomach cancer, an event that Irvin discussed in 2011, revealing his journey towards acceptance and understanding.

February 3, 2007: Selection to 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: Departure from ESPN

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

July 4, 2007: Sexual Assault Accusation

On July 4, 2007, Michael Irvin was accused of sexual assault at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Though charges were never filed, a civil suit was filed against him in 2010.

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: Hall of Fame Ring Presentation

On October 14, 2007, Michael Irvin received his Hall of Fame ring at Texas Stadium during halftime of a Cowboys game, where he proposed a tour of the Hall of Fame for drafted rookies.

2007: Named to All-Century Team

In 2007, Michael Irvin was named to the Florida High School Athletic Association's All-Century Team, recognizing the top football players in Florida's high school history.

2007: Selection for Hall of Fame Induction

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

2007: Induction into Pro Football Hall of Fame

In 2007, Michael Irvin, considered one of the greatest wide receivers of all time, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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 2008: Induction into Texas Sports Hall of Fame

In February 2008, Michael Irvin was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

November 2008: Daryl Johnston's comments on Michael Irvin

In November 2008, Michael Irvin's Cowboys teammate Daryl Johnston praised his work ethic and character, describing him as an inspiration.

January 12, 2009: Possible Carjacking Attempt Claim

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

2009: Competed on Dancing with the Stars

In 2009, Michael Irvin participated in Season 9 of "Dancing with the Stars" and was the ninth contestant eliminated.

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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.

2010: Civil Suit Filed

In 2010, Michael Irvin was faced with a civil suit regarding sexual assault allegations stemming from an incident that occurred on July 4, 2007.

January 2011: Defamation Countersuit Dropped

In January 2011, Michael Irvin's $100 million defamation countersuit was dropped when the sexual assault case from July 4, 2007, was settled out of court.

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.

November 11, 2011: Jack & Jill Film Release

On November 11, 2011, the film "Jack & Jill", starring Adam Sandler and featuring Michael Irvin, was released.

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2011: Speaks About Homosexual Brother

In 2011, Michael Irvin spoke to Out magazine about his homosexual older brother and his journey towards acceptance. Irvin's brother died of stomach cancer in 2006.

February 2017: Super Bowl Halftime Admission

In February 2017, on an 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: Sexual Assault Investigation

On March 22, 2017, Michael Irvin was investigated by Fort Lauderdale police for an alleged sexual assault in Florida. The investigation was closed on July 24, with no charges filed.

2017: Supporting role in Slamma Jamma

In 2017, Michael Irvin played a sleazy sports agent in the basketball drama, "Slamma Jamma".

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February 2023: NFL Network Removal

In February 2023, NFL Network removed Michael Irvin from its Super Bowl LVII coverage due to allegations of sexual misconduct at his hotel in the Phoenix area.