Michael Irvin

Michael Irvin (born March 5, 1966 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida) is a former American football star known for a dynamic, record-setting football career, but also for his flamboyant personality and some widely-publicized run-ins with the law that spotted his reputation as one of the most successful wide receivers in the history of the National Football League.

Drafted by Dallas

In a class rich with talented wide receivers, Irvin was taken 11th overall in the first round of the 1988 NFL draft. He was the last first round pick of Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry. Despite injuries, Irvin led the National Football Conference with a 20.4 yards per catch average in his rookie season. In 1989, Jerry Jones bought the Cowboys and fired Landry. Irvin was then re-united with Jimmy Johnson, who Jones brought in to coach the Cowboys.

Related Topics:
Wide receivers - 1988 - NFL draft - Dallas Cowboys - Tom Landry - National Football Conference - 1989 - Jerry Jones

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Irvin's flashy and rebellious style fit in at the University of Miami, but it quickly drew intrigue and controversy in conservative Dallas. He referred to himself as "The Playmaker." He parked his sports car in "No Parking" zones during Cowboys' training camp. And he visited Dallas strip clubs with regularity, and was known for socializing with strippers (despite being married).

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On the field, injuries hampered Irvin's development in 1989 and 1990. But in 1991, he led the NFL with 1,523 yards receiving and set a Cowboys record with 93 receptions. Along with NFL rushing champion Emmitt Smith, they became the first pair of teammates to lead the NFL in both rushing and receiving yardage.

Related Topics:
1989 - 1990 - 1991 - Emmitt Smith

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