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Reactions: Irvin's retirement Users remember Cowboy for good plays, not bad daysPosted: Thursday July 13, 2000 05:34 PM
Michael Irvin has called it quits. Despite his flamboyant behavior off the field, a majority of CNNSI.com users wrote in saying they would remember No. 88 for his spectacular play on the field. They will always remember him as, The playmaker. A collection of our some of our users' most interesting responses follows: I'll always remember the two touchdowns Michael caught during his first Super Bowl. Everybody knew it was going to him. And he still caught it. I'll also remember the tremendous streak of 100-yard receiving games in 1995. He wasn't THE best, but he was damn sure one of 'em.
My most memorable thought of Michael was in his rookie season. He caught three touchdown passes in his very first 100+ yard game. He was consistently double teamed the rest of his career and had some of his best days against Deion Sanders. His fire and grace will be missed.
When I think about Irvin, all I can really remember is a post-game interview after the Cowboys won the Super Bowl (I think it was the second one). It was live, and as the microphones were on. Irvin proceeded to swear repeatedly. In typical Irvin fashion, it was immature, offensive, and completely unwarranted.
Only total Dallas Cowboy haters will remember him for his off-field antics. He was truly the greatest receiver ever to play the game! With all due respect to Mr. Rice, one can only wonder what Irvin would have done coming into a system with a Joe Montana or Steve Young tossing him the ball instead of Steve Peleur or the Rookie Troy Aikman the first several years. No one and I mean no one could take over a game better than Irvin. He has earned his place in the Hall by going where few receivers dared to venture -- over the middle of the field. Ask Daryl Green and Deion Sanders who they feared the most. Enough Said! We will miss No. 88.
I remember watching a preseason Monday Night Football game involving the Cowboys, and the now infamous "haircut incident" was brought up. Dan Dierdorf defended No. 88, saying that, in training camp, "these things happen." I remember thinking, "But they always seem to happen to the Dallas Cowboys. And they always seem to involve Michael Irvin. When do we stop making excuses for the man and start telling him to grow up?" I've been a Giants fan most of my life, but I still will genuinely miss Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith when they hang 'em up. I will not miss Michael Irvin at all.
Next stop Canton. Without a doubt Irvin was the pulse for the Dallas Cowboys in the '90s. Their key motivator and inspirational leader. A tough guy yes, but this is a tough sport. Arrogant yes, but without confidence he doesn't get the ball. His off field transgressions were overwhelmed by his charity and selflessness, yet those qualities were not reported on. He is the playmaker, the greatest Cowboy receiver of all time. Though glad he's leaving the game healthy, as a Cowboy fan I'm concerned. Who will thump their chest now demanding the ball when its 14-10 with a minute left in the fourth quarter? Who will makes plays? Goodbye Playmaker, by far you did more good than bad on and off the field. Next stop Canton. Indeed.
If you truly love football you have to respect the commitment and loyalty that Michael Irvin displayed as a Dallas Cowboy throughout his career. Sure, he's made some bad choices like many other citizens do off the field, but the determination and sacrifice he made on the field go beyond just playing for the money. How many wide receivers totally sacrificed their bodies for 12 straight years? This example is how he played his last down. I'll like to thank Michael for making the game so much fun to watch. Good luck to him and his family.
Michael over the years has had many faults that have eroded his character off the field. However, on the field he played with something the 'boys have been lacking as of late -- an overwhelming desire to win. Most people will remember his last catch or perhaps his indiscretions. I will remember those moments of him yelling at teammates so that they would perform at a higher standard.
My memory of Irvin will be somewhat unique. I had the opportunity to meet him back in 1994 and again in 1997. On both occasions, he was very polite and friendly. Not what you would think if you paid much attention to his critics. He was a great player and should be remembered as such. Not for his mistakes off the field.
As a former resident of Valley Ranch (during the glory years) where the Cowboys train, it was always a treat to see Michael Irvin swagger into the compound in his white Mercedes with PLYMKR license plates. The locally televised Michael Irvin Show was always a favorite to see what new fashion trend he would set. Best of luck in broadcasting -- you're a natural!
Michael Irvin was a big time receiver. A lot of receivers can have big games, but can they produce when it counts? Playoffs? Super Bowls? Irvin always produced when it counted. Very few receivers can use their body and shield off defenders as Irvin did. And when it came to love for the game? Heart? There was no one bigger.
Simply put, the heart and soul of the team of the '90s. The greatest receiver in history of perhaps the greatest franchise in pro sports. If LT was inducted into the Hall of Fame, Michael Irvin deserves the same.
Michael Irvin will go down in history as the best receiver ever to play in a Cowboys uniform. He is also a lock for the Hall of Fame. While there is no questioning that Michael had his troubles off the field, his contributions on the field and the type of player he was for the Cowboys, should be the legacy he leaves behind. It would have been nice to see Michael ride off into the sunset along with his two buddies, Emmitt and Troy, but it was not to be. Whether it was tough catch that was needed to sustain a key drive or simply firing up his teammates, Michael Irvin made everyone around him better. He will go down in history as one of the best players ever to play at his position. You will be missed, Michael. But most of all, you will be remembered.
When I think of Irvin I am immediately reminded of the '95 NFC Championship against San Francisco that the Cowboys lost. While he played the best game of his career that day, what I recall most vividly were cameras that caught him charging up the dejected team members with the fiery determination that he possessed to win. His fire and passion to play are often overlooked due to a tarnished reputation. But on the field, Irvin was a tremendous inspiration to play hard and never go quietly without a fight.
All personal stuff put aside, in an era (last 20 years) of mega superstars like Deion, Emit, Montana, LT, Elway etc. -- this guy stood out! After Jerry Rice, this guy was the best receiver in at least 20 years, maybe more. The guy was awesome. I am sorry to see him go.
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