Michael Irvin Biography:
Wide receiver Michael Irvin, who spent 12 years with the Dallas Cowboys, was as successful on the gridiron as he was flamboyant off of it. His play-making ability as a key member of three NFL championship teams was rivaled only by the his often-publicized life in the fast lane. And unfortunately, some of his greatest accomplishments will always be tainted by his numerous brushes with the law, including multiple drug arrests.
Irvin, one of 17 siblings, played for Fort Lauderdale's St. Thomas Aquinas High School where he earned All-State honors before attending the University of Miami. Under the tutelage of head coach Jimmy Johnson, he set numerous records and helped the Hurricanes win a National Championship in 1987. In just three season as a starter, Irvin set Miami career records for catches (143), receiving yards (2,423) and TD receptions (26).
After a highly-successful college career, Irvin was selected by the Cowboys with the 11th overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft, but his pro career got off to a bit of a slow start. With injuries hampering him for much of his first three seasons, he struggled to get involved in the offense, but in 1991, his fourth year in the league, Irvin racked up more than 1,500 yards receiving to lead the league.
Over an eight-year period beginning with his breakout year, the outspoken Irvin averaged nearly 1,300 yards receiving per season and helped the Cowboys to championship wins in Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII, and XXX. He finished his career with 750 receptions for 11,904 yards, and 65 touchdowns. He was also selected to play in five Pro Bowls.
The low point of Irvin's career came off the field in March of 1996 when he was arrested on charges of cocaine possession at a hotel party celebrating his 30th birthday. He later pleaded no contest to felony possession charges in exchange for four years of deferred probation, a $10,000 fine and dismissal of misdemeanor marijuana possession charges.
Born: Michael Jerome Irvin - March 5, 1966 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Drafted: 11th overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1988 NFL Draft.
Years Played: 1988-1999
Position Played: Wide Receiver
Played For: Dallas Cowboys
Uniform Number: 88
Nickname: The Playmaker
Alma Mater: Miami (Fla)
High School: St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.)
Drafted: 11th overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1988 NFL Draft.
Years Played: 1988-1999
Position Played: Wide Receiver
Played For: Dallas Cowboys
Uniform Number: 88
Nickname: The Playmaker
Alma Mater: Miami (Fla)
High School: St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.)
Career NFL Statistics:
Michael Irvin finished his career with 750 receptions for 11,904 yards, and 65 touchdowns.
