Michael Irvin Biography
Michael Irvin is an American former professional football player and sports commentator who spent his entire 12-year career to being a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL). He works at Fox Sports as a co-host of “UNDISPUTED” in 2023.
Michael Irvin Career
Irvin initially attended Piper High School in Sunrise, Florida, before gaining recognition as a football standout at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale. At St. Thomas Aquinas, he caught the attention of the University of Miami, a prominent collegiate football program. Under the coaching of Jimmy Johnson at the University of Miami, he established school records, including career receptions (143), receiving yards (2,423, later surpassed by Santana Moss), and touchdown receptions (26). He played a pivotal role in the University of Miami’s 1987 national championship team, contributing to a legendary moment during the season. In a game against archrival Florida State, he scored a 73-yard fourth-quarter touchdown pass from Steve Walsh, a play that secured victory and propelled the team to the national championship game, the 1988 Orange Bowl, against the top-ranked Oklahoma Sooners.
In 1988, after his junior year, he decided to forgo his final year of college eligibility and declared for the 1988 NFL Draft. However, during the fifth game of the 1999 NFL season, he suffered a serious cervical spine injury when tackled by Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Tim Hauck. Although the injury was non-life-threatening, Irvin was carted off the field and transported to a hospital in Philadelphia. He was diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis, and due to the increased risk of further injury, he announced his retirement in May 2000. His retirement marked the conclusion of his 12-year NFL career and a significant chapter in Dallas Cowboys history, being the last player coached by Tom Landry to retire from the league. Notably, Landry passed away in February 2000, a few months before Irvin officially announced his retirement due to the severity of his injury.
In 2000, Irvin earned induction into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame, a testament to his outstanding collegiate football career. He concluded his 12-year NFL journey, spent entirely as a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, with impressive statistics – 750 receptions, 11,904 yards (ranking 30th and 21st all-time in the NFL, respectively), and 65 touchdowns. His remarkable contributions included 47 100-yard receiving games, tying for the eighth-most in NFL history alongside Torry Holt. Furthermore, his impact extended to Pro Bowls, earning five selections, and he was named the MVP of the 1992 Pro Bowl. His prowess as a key playmaker for the Dallas Cowboys during their successful period was evident with six division titles and three Super Bowl victories. As part of Dallas’ starting offensive lineup, he not only demonstrated consistency in the regular season but excelled in the playoffs. His 87 postseason receptions rank second in NFL playoff history, trailing only Jerry Rice.
From 1991 to 1998, he consistently achieved 1,000-yard seasons, amassing an impressive 10,265 yards over an eight-year span. The Cowboys’ significant achievements during this period included four straight appearances in the NFC Championship Game and three Super Bowl championships. Irvin, alongside Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith, was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2005. In 2007, he joined the Texas Sports Hall of Fame alongside other NFL players with Cowboys ties. His eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame began in 2005, and he received the honor in 2007, selected in his third year of eligibility. During the induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio, on August 4, 2007, he delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech, acknowledging both his football career and personal mistakes. Later, on October 14, 2007, he accepted his Hall of Fame ring at Texas Stadium during halftime of a Cowboys–Patriots game.
Here, he proposed a unique idea to Commissioner Roger Goodell about drafted rookies touring the Pro Football Hall of Fame to deepen their understanding of football history. Irvin diversified his career beyond football, showcasing his talents in various entertainment and business ventures. In 2005, he co-starred in the remake of “The Longest Yard” alongside Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. He also made a guest appearance in Sandler’s film “Jack & Jill,” released in 2011. His involvement extended to television, where he was a “Pro” on an episode of “Pros vs. Joes,” competing against average individuals. Additionally, he took on the role of host in “4th and Long,” a football-themed reality series on Spike TV, with the winner, Jesse Holley, earning a spot at the Dallas Cowboys’ training camp. Moreover, he had a supporting role in the 2017 basketball drama “Slamma Jamma,” portraying a sleazy sports agent.
In a 2011 interview with Out magazine, Irvin opened up about his homosexual older brother who passed away in 2006 due to stomach cancer. He reflected on his initial feelings of homophobia and how they influenced his behavior during his playing days. However, he eventually embraced acceptance and love for his older brother, fostering understanding for those facing difficulties in sharing their circumstances. He extended his influence to the business world. In August 2011, he became one of the primary investors and advisers for the Elite Football League of India, joining other notable figures such as Mike Ditka, Ron Jaworski, and Brandon Chillar. In July 2023, he expanded his investment portfolio by joining Asset Entities as a primary investor and adviser, aligning himself with other influential backers, including TRITON FUNDS. This showcases his commitment to ventures beyond sports and his active role in supporting diverse industries.
Michael Irvin Salary
Irvin earns an annual salary of about $5,000,000-$7,000,000.
Michael Irvin Net Worth
Irvin has an estimated net worth of about $10 Million – $15 Million which he has earned through his career as a football player.
Michael Irvin Age
Irvin was born on March 5, 1966, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States. He is 58 years old as of 2024, and he celebrates his birthday on the 5th of March every year.
Michael Irvin Height and Weight
Irvin stands at a height of 6 feet 2 inches tall, and he weighs 207 lbs (94kgs).
Michael Irvin Family
Irvin is the son of Walter Irvin, a former army veteran and Pearl Beverly. He has 17 siblings and is the 15th child of his parents’ seven brothers and nine sisters. His six brothers are; Willie Pearl Irvin, Willie James Irvin, Walter Irvin, Jr., Ray Anthony Irvin and twins Vaughn Richard Irvin and Don Raymond Irvin. On the other hand, his sisters are; Alice Jean Irvin, Sheila Marie Irvin, Janet Lynn Irvin, Rosalind Rene Irvin, Sharon Delores Irvin, Laverne Denise Irvin, Lisa Michelle Irvin, Patricia Ann Irvin, and Brenda Elaine Irvin.
Michael Irvin Wife and Children
Irvin is married to Sandy Harrell and they tied the knot on June 23, 1992. Together they have been blessed with four children, whom they named; Elijah Irvin, Chelsea Irvin, Myesha Irvin and Michael Irvin Jr. Myesha. Michael Irvin Jr. Myesha is the child from Irvin’s previous relationship with Felicia Walker. He resides in Plano, Texas together with his family.
Michael Irvin Under Investigations
Dallas Cowboys legend and NFL commentator, Irvin, is currently under investigation by the Allen Police, as confirmed by Sergeant Jonathan Maness. While details are scarce due to the early stages of the investigation, Irvin’s attorney, Levi McCathern, stated that the hall-of-famer “didn’t do anything wrong or inappropriate.” This investigation follows a sexual misconduct complaint made against Irvin by a female Marriott employee in Phoenix about a year ago. The connection between this recent investigation in Allen and the previous complaint is unclear. The 2023 complaint resulted in his removal from the NFL Network’s Super Bowl coverage.
In response to the sexual misconduct allegations, he filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Marriott in February, asserting that the accusations were false. Two men claiming to be witnesses to the incident also defended Irvin’s behavior at a press conference in March 2023. The lawsuit was initially filed in Collin County but was later withdrawn and refiled in Arizona in March. The situation continues to unfold, and further details may emerge as the investigation progresses.
FOX Sports
While working for FOX Sports Irvin co-works alongside:
Social Media Platform
Irvin is very active on his Twitter and Instagram pages. He has 744.4k followers on Twitter and 667.6k followers on Instagram.