One more big play from the “Playmaker”
In two short words we can simply say…” It Happens! “
Michael Irvin, former great wide receiver of the Dallas Cowboys was introduced as one of six Hall of Fame Inductees for the class of 2007. If you are not familiar with Michael Irvin, all you need to know is that he is simply, “The Playmaker”.
Irvin’s accomplishment intrigues me because the 40 panelist from the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame did not find Irvin worthy of induction in each of the last two years. Without definitive explanation, America and Dallas Cowboys fans everywhere were left to determine on their own why this seemingly unanimous choice was being held out of the Hall of Fame. The former Dallas Cowboys receiver with the off-field woes and three Super Bowl rings, was among six former players voted into the
Canton shrine Saturday. But the commissioner who guided the NFL for 18 years before retiring last summer didn’t even make the first cut.
“This was worth the wait,” Irvin said. “I know my alphabet. When I heard ‘H’ I was like, ‘OK, I (is) next.’ So, whew! I was so afraid we were going to skip over the I’s.”
Irvin didn’t mention his troubled past, pleading no contest in 1996 to felony cocaine possession; getting arrested in 2000 on drug possession charges that were later dropped. Uncharacteristically, former teammate Troy Aikman did have something to say.
“I think that maybe some of that is why he hasn’t gotten in until now,” said Aikman, who was inducted last year. “And I know that’s not part of the criteria, and I think all of the voters would tell you that’s not part of the criteria. But we are all human and I think you maybe take what you think of a person as an individual and have that cloud what you think of his athletic abilities. That happens.”
It is in the unsolicited opinion of this author that The Playmaker was simply too liberal with his lifestyle for the well documented conservative panel who votes on potential inductees. Without airing any ones dirty laundry, allow me to say that Michael Irvin is not the first Hall of Famer to be arrested during or after his playing days, and you better believe he won’t be the last. The human in us all, sometimes clouds ones judgment when there is pressure to be completely objective, especially where it involves someone we don’t like. Many know that Michael was/is a love him or hate him athlete who is never at a lost for showmanship. There are
HOF panelists who have attempted to compare Michael Irvin’s flamboyant style to that of Terrell Owens. While there are similarities on the surface, Michael’s coaches and teammates at every level will attest that unlike Mr. Owens, Irvin is a teammate you wanted around and couldn’t get enough of. Just ask Michael’s former coach, Jimmy Johnson,
“I never coached a player who had as much passion for the game as Michael Irvin. He set a standard for work ethic that inspired every player and coach on the team. You judge individuals in sports based upon how much work they do - and how committed they are to getting better - when no one is watching them. Michael was like no other in that regard. He taught our young players how to be professional football players and how to compete. And he would not allow the veteran players to be comfortable simply because they had enjoyed some success.
“He also was the guy who I knew at crunch time I could depend on to come through with a key play. He never shied away from making the tough catch.”
The concern over statistics were waged when it was questioned that Michael Irvin completed his career with only 750 catches and just over 11,000 receiving yards. Again, what clown would ever think that 750 catches is mediocre. Although there are 13 other men who have eclipsed this mark, only one ( Jerry Rice ) can lay definitive claims of being better at this craft. The all decade team of the 90’s has Jerry Rice on one side and Michael Irvin on the other. Even with breaking the 1000 catch barrier, anyone with insightful football knowledge could make the argument that retired Minnesota Wide Receiver, Chris Carter, and retired Oakland Raider Receiver, Tim Brown, did not have the impact on their teams or the league, as Irvin has. Remember, the NFL didn’t know what a big possession receiver was until Michael Irvin put a certain Star on his helmet. Put the Big Man on record and identify me as………would like to get rid of the current Hall of Fame Panelists—-party of one!!
The NFL HOF needs to get its head out of its ass, wake up and smell the coffee. The new athlete of today comes with an entirely different package. Where Irvin was vilified for his end zone celebrations, these players are rewarded with commercials for them. To believe that Michael Irvin brings negative attention or shame to the moral fiber of the HOF is asinine. Irvin’s induction sends shock waves through urban communities throughout the United States. Michael was born the 15th of 17 kids under one roof.
Known for his willingness to entertain, Irvin’s siblings looked to him for strength when their father passed away while Michael was in High school. For years, Irvin has always said at that moment in his life he knew he had to be great. The rest, as they say, is history.
The playmakers well deserved Bust will rest in Canton amongst the greats who’ve played the game.
And Thats How the Big Man Sees it
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