Who is Michael Irvin? He is a former American football wide receiver who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1988 to 1999. Irvin was an integral part of the Cowboys teams that won three Super Bowls in the 1990s. Known for his flashy playmaking ability, Irvin earned five Pro Bowl selections and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
Key Facts About Michael Irvin
- Full Name: Michael Jerome Irvin
- Nickname: “The Playmaker”
- Age: 56 years old (Born March 5, 1966)
- Wife: Sandy Harrell (m. 1990–2007, divorced)
- Net Worth: Estimated $15 million
Michael Irvin Early Life and College Football Career
Michael Irvin was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1966. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School where he starred as a wide receiver on the football team.
Irvin was heavily recruited and chose to attend the University of Miami, where he played college football for the Miami Hurricanes from 1985–1987. Playing under coach Jimmy Johnson, Irvin set school records with 143 career receptions for 2,423 yards and 26 touchdowns. The Hurricanes won the national championship in 1987 with Irvin as one of their top players.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Jerome Irvin |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1966 |
| Birthplace | Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
| Height | 6’2″ |
| Weight | 207 lb |
| Position | Wide Receiver |
| College | University of Miami |
| NFL Draft | 1988 – Round 1, Pick #11 |
| NFL Team | Dallas Cowboys (1988–1999) |
| Career Stats | 750 receptions, 11,904 yards, 65 TDs |
| Awards and Honors |
|
| Wife | Sandy Harrell (divorced 2007) |
| Children | 4 (Michael Jr, Dustin, Chelsea, Myesha) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $15 million |
Dallas Cowboys Career (1988–1999)
The Dallas Cowboys selected Irvin in the first round (#11 overall) in the 1988 NFL Draft. Paired with quarterback Troy Aikman and running back Emmitt Smith, Irvin became part of a formidable Cowboys offensive trio nicknamed “The Triplets.”
In his 12 seasons with Dallas, Irvin recorded 750 receptions for 11,904 yards and 65 touchdowns. He led the NFL in receiving yards in 1991 with 1,523. Irvin was selected to five straight Pro Bowls from 1991–1995. His clutch, physical playmaking ability made him one of the NFL’s most feared wideouts.
As part of America’s Team in the 1990s, Irvin helped lead the Cowboys to dominant Super Bowl victories in 1993, 1994 and 1996. His numbers are even more impressive considering he missed the final season and a half of his career due to injury.
Career Accomplishments and Honors
- 3-time Super Bowl Champion (1993, 1994, 1996)
- 5x Pro Bowl (1991–1995)
- 1x First Team All-Pro (1991)
- 1991 Receiving Yards Leader
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor (2005)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2007)
Controversies and Legal Issues
While a dominant force on the field, Michael Irvin generated many controversies off the field. He was accused of sexual assault in 1996 but the case never went to trial. In 1996 Irvin was also arrested on cocaine and marijuana possession charges. He received a 5-game suspension from the NFL and pleaded no contest to the charges.
Additional controversies over his career involved aggressively disputing referees on the field, altercations with teammates and opponents, and promoting rivalry with division opponents such as the Washington Redskins.
Irvin’s playing career ended abruptly in 1999 when he suffered a spinal cord injury and was subsequently diagnosed with spinal stenosis. He never played another NFL game after the injury.
Post-NFL Career
After football, Irvin briefly pursued a career in broadcasting but he was fired by ESPN after only 1 week in 2007 due to more controversy. He was arrested in 2007 on drug paraphernalia charges amid rumors of cocaine use.
However, Irvin turned his reputation around and rebuilt his broadcasting career. He currently works as an NFL analyst for NFL Network and co-hosts a daily talk show on Dallas sports radio. Irvin also runs youth football camps and is actively involved in charity work.
Personal Life and Family
- Married Sandy Harrell in 1990; they divorced in 2007
- 4 children with his ex-wife (sons Michael Irvin Jr, Dustin Irvin; daughters Chelsea Irvin, Myesha Beyonca Irvin)
- A vocal Christian, Irvin overcame several years struggling with drug addiction after retiring
- Involved in multiple lawsuits related to a 2007 car accident. He settled most suits but still appeals $1 million judgment against him.
Michael Irvin Net Worth and Career Earnings
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Michael Irvin’s net worth is estimated at $15 million as of 2023.
During his 12 NFL seasons in Dallas from 1988–1999, Irvin made over $10 million in salary. His peak base salaries ranged from $1.1 million in 1992 up to $3.3 million by his final seasons in 1998–1999.
Combined with endorsement deals and broadcasting career income over the past 20+ years, Michael Irvin has built substantial wealth despite fines, legal troubles, divorce settlement and bad investments cutting into his earnings.
With smart property investments and businesses in Texas, some estimate Irvin’s net worth could be even higher in the $20–25 million range. Michael Irvin has overcame controversy and rebuilt his reputation and wealth after his playing days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Irvin
What number did Michael Irvin wear?
- Irvin wore #88 through his entire 12-year Cowboys career from 1988–1999.
What college did Michael Irvin go to?
- Irvin played college football at the University of Miami (1985–1987). He was part of their 1987 National Championship team under Jimmy Johnson.
How many kids does Michael Irvin have?
- Irvin has 4 children – Michael Irvin Jr., Dustin Irvin, Chelsea Irvin, and Myesha Beyonca Irvin.
Is Michael Irvin in the NFL Hall of Fame?
- Yes. Michael Irvin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007 in recognition of his outstanding achievements as one of history’s best wide receivers.
Is Michael Irvin on TV?
- Yes. After rebuilding his broadcasting career, Irvin works as an analyst for NFL Network. He also co-hosts a popular sports talk radio show covering Dallas area sports teams.
What team did Michael Irvin play for?
- Irvin spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys (1988–1999). He was a star wide receiver nicknamed “The Playmaker” and key part of the Cowboys 1990s dynasty.
What number is retired for Cowboys?
- The Dallas Cowboys have retired #8 (Troy Aikman), #12 (Roger Staubach), #22 (Emmitt Smith) and #74 (Bob Lilly). Michael Irvin’s #88 has not officially been retired but hasn’t been worn by any Cowboy since him either.
