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Retirement an option Irvin plans to assess future in football
Posted: Thursday October 14, 1999 07:16 PM
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- A somber Michael Irvin, still haunted by the memory of being temporarily paralyzed after injuring his neck, is considering giving up football. Although he never used the word "retire," the Dallas Cowboys receiver paused, swallowed hard, clenched his teeth and said: "When you go through something like this, there's no way you can say that you won't think, 'Hey, that's it. I'm not playing again.' " "That's the initial reaction. Then, after you calm down, you kind of weigh it to yourself and see what happens, see what the doctor says and see what everyone else says. That's kind of where I'm at right now." The 33-year-old Irvin, who is in his 12th season, said he's in no hurry to assess his future this soon after the injury. He spoke softly, slowly and without his usual verve. There was redness in his eyes and cracking in his voice as he described how he felt being dazed. Irvin, who is wearing a neck brace, understands he's lucky to have only a swollen spinal cord and a herniated disc. He's also wondered whether he would be as lucky next time -- if there is a next time. "When I was in the hospital, I thought, 'What if it was worse?' But, you know, it kind of goes back to that's the risk you take every time you step on the field," Irvin said. "I'm not trying to make light of it -- especially not now -- but it's quite a risk. I know that now." Irvin spent the morning with Dr. Andrew Dossett, a spinal injury specialist. He described the session as more confusing than reassuring. "I won't know what's going on until we sit down and he gives me some layman's terms," Irvin said. "Right now, all I know is not to move it much and that's what I'm trying to do." Trainer Jim Maurer, who also was at Dossett's office, said the visit may have shaken up Irvin because it was the first time he learned the details of his injury. Dossett decided to wait at least two weeks before ordering an MRI, which will show whether the swelling has gone down. Late next week, X-rays will be taken to examine the alignment of Irvin's spine, one of the factors that will determine when he can return to football. Maurer said the good news was that Irvin has been cleared to ride a bicycle and do other conditioning exercises. Irvin was injured in Sunday's 13-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles when his helmet twisted awkwardly as it slammed to the turf. Many of the raucous fans at Veterans Stadium cheered when it was obvious he was seriously hurt. They hollered again when a gurney was brought on the field. Irvin didn't notice. "All I was trying to focus on was trying to put my hands down so I could get up," he said. "I couldn't control my arms and I couldn't control my legs. I was more focused on that. "I remember looking up, not being able to move and all you see is sky, then getting in the ambulance." Irvin said movement returned to his hands when he was on the gurney. He regained control of his legs in the ambulance. "I was just scared," he said. "I thought about not playing with my son." Since spraining an ankle as a rookie and tearing a knee ligament the next year, Irvin has played 139 of 144 games. The five he missed were due to a suspension for a no-contest plea to felony drug possession charges. Over his career, Irvin has 750 receptions, tied for ninth all-time, and he's helped Dallas win three Super Bowls. He holds every significant receiving record in Cowboys history. Before speaking to the media for about 10 minutes Wednesday, Irvin spoke twice as long to teammate Daryl Johnston, whose second neck injury in three years has ended his season and possibly his career. Johnston has said his best advice for Irvin is not to rush back into action. That's also the sentiment of close friends Deion Sanders and Emmitt Smith. "We are just praying for his healing, for his mind to stay stable and focused on what he has to do to get ready for life -- not just football," Sanders said. "It could be the end of a wonderful career. I don't believe it is, but if it is, I'm going to support him in every way."
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