Michael Irvin: Cowboys Dynasty & Football Life | Undeniable with Joe Buck

Legendary wide receiver Michael Irvin opens up about his storied career, from his humble beginnings as one of 17 children to his rise as a dominant force with the Dallas Cowboys, Irvin's story is remarkable.
Michael relives his high school days, championship glory with the Miami Hurricanes, and 3 Super Bowl victories. Hear firsthand how legends like Troy Aikman and Jimmy Johnson played pivotal roles in his life, both on and off the field.
CHAPTERS:
0:24 - Michael Irvin Interview Introduction
1:30 - Irvin's Childhood in Large Family
3:02 - Michael Irvin's Sense of Uniqueness
4:44 - The Reverend: Michael Irvin's Father
9:15 - Escaping Challenges: Michael's Story
10:52 - Transition to St. Thomas Aquinas
11:58 - Dealing with Father's Cancer
13:43 - Coping with Father's Death
17:38 - 1986 Fiesta Bowl Recap
18:18 - Miami Hurricanes 1987 Season Highlights
19:53 - NFL Supplemental Draft Strategy
23:31 - Playing for Coach Tom Landry
26:23 - Michael Irvin's Super Bowl Ambitions
27:05 - Super Bowl XXVII: Cowboys Victory
32:58 - Super Bowl XXVIII: Cowboys Repeat
36:00 - Cowboys' Potential with Jimmy Johnson
38:05 - Evaluating the 1994 Cowboys Team
40:56 - Super Bowl XXX: Cowboys vs. Steelers
45:25 - Cowboys' Infamous 'White House'
48:40 - Controversial Hotel Room Incident
51:34 - Michael Irvin's Career Finale
53:24 - Michael Irvin Hall of Fame Induction
54:07 - Michael Irvin's Future Endeavors
55:35 - Light-Hearted Questions with Irvin
57:05 - Closing Thanks to Michael Irvin
#Undeniable #NFL #Cowboys

[@brensdad7445]

He signed my 88 jersey when I was 17. I am 49 and still have it.

[@toddinthemiddle]

i knew some people that were at the old valley ranch headquarters as tourists, driving around, and when he saw them, he yelled over to them to get out of their car and go take a picture with him. i still have one of the pics. so, when he says that he always makes himself available, i have no problem believing that.

[@gigapus5050]

Did you snot some sugar bugger with him 😂

[@Nick-rb1vk]

$

[@NYnickyBarnes]

Cool bro 🎉

[@CiteSeeing]

You sitting in the house with something people will pay a house for 😭😭😭

[@user-ce7ly2uv9p]

Was at the Chargers Cowboys game in 95. Michael came over & signed my program he went to sign more autographs. He asked if he could use my Sharpe about 10 to 20min later he brought it back and said thank you he is truly a great & humble human Thanks for all the great memories Michael

[@rog9601]

I was at that game too.

[@marcusmarrs]

Funny story, my step daughter and her husband ran into him at Disney World in Fla 15 or so years ago. Saw him at the resort pool and started talking to him. After a while everyone started clowning around and even snapped a pic with Michael donning Mickey Mouse ears. Really great, down to earth guy. Always been one of my favorite Cowboys.

[@calvinstrand8976]

The 90s was some great years, Michael Jordan winning finals and Michael Irvin winning Superbowls... GO COWBOYS!

[@tonymeehan7859]

Michael Irvin is my all time receiver in the NFL, or football period. Being a Cowboys fan my entire life now, watching the dynasty era of this team was absolutely amazing. However, watching Irvin perform on this team was an absolute treat in an era of the Cowboys. His play on the field was nothing like I had ever witnessed, other than Jerry Rice or Steve Largent. His story about his dad and losing him to cancer, being the pillar of the family made me tear up real bad, just losing my dad just over a year ago the same way. Always loved Michael, and always will. This interview was a true treat to watch - God Bless Michael....

[@darrylmarbut47]

Man I would've loved to be around this guy,on a TEAM!! ? Are you kidding me,you can just tell it was a blessing to be around this dude!!

[@FrederickJohnSebastian]

What an interview. The downfall discussion is incredible. His honesty is powerful

[@claytonandrews7234]

Yes it is BRO. WHOEVER YOU ARE , IT'S DEEP AND MICHAEL ERVIN IS MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE RECEIVER. THAT WAS MY FAVORITE TEAM OF ALL TIME. I WORE #22 10 STRAIGHT YEARS. JR. PRO THRU HIGH SCHOOL. SO EMMIT WAS MY FAVORITE. AND I HAD TEARS, OR HAVE TEARS LISTENING TO EACH ONE OF THE 3 BAD BOYS. AIKMAN MY FAVORITE QUARTERBACK OF ALL-TIME. A LITTLE TOO SERIOUS, AIKMAN, IN MY MIND. STILLO

[@chucksmith5667]

Been watching Micheal since his Miami days ..was Happy that my team selected him and he didn't disappoint..brought the cowboys from the dead back to the living ..thank u .DC4L

[@SpiritLedServant]

Absolutely SUPERB interview.

[@Jim-xp5fo]

Simply the MOTIVATOR ...DRIVE & HEART!

[@xxxxbigrich5752]

Joe Buck is ultra talented he brings out the best in people that’s why I love his show. This was a great interview/episode with playmaker a great man who’s learned of his past mistakes‼️

[@bradleymiller7375]

Love Joe, but hate this loud mouth !

[@johnwillard6198]

Hated Cowboys being a Packer fan since 65 however I’ve also been through hell as an addict , 23 yrs sober now , I Love MR Irving . ❤

[@toddinthemiddle]

*Irvin. i felt the same about Rodgers until i caught him on JRE. i'll always despise Favre.

[@justinfletcher7630]

Hey man kudos.. I got 11 clean march 13th, nothing I thought I'd make it to and I FULLY understand the feeling you mean with even saying it.. it's like a rebirth

[@bradleymiller7375]

@johnwillard, congratulations on being sober, but dislike the huge loud mouth!

[@jimmysapien9961]

What A great Life Story- What A blessed Man . Thank You for Sharing - I am Thankful to My God to Hear about Saving another Soul 🙏

[@warrenking3517]

One of the best interviews yet. Being a Packer fan i hated seeing Michael and the Cowboys beat my Packers in the early to mid '90's. Indeed he had alot of success on the grid iron and also, in my opinion, now a really good commentator of the sport who i enjoy listening to, such wit, insight and a comic all in one! Love the, "Well boss, I was trying to do the wrong thing...The right way!" Interesting to know Green Bay actually inquired about him! Beyond that, Michael seems to be a great man and his story a great one. As coach Vince Lombardi once said, "Our greatest victories are not in winning all the time, but in getting back up again once we have fallen." Michael Irvin surely exudes that and an inspiration!

[@rog9601]

Great interview but what's the story on the cutting out of some highlights and others are left in ?

[@elevingston]

Met him a year ago…Stopped and talked until I said we had to go. Genuine and very personable.

[@lostindallas62]

Love you Playmaker...Michael Irvin!!!!❤️😊❤️😊❤️😊👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💙🤍🏈🤍💙🏈🏈

[@Only_2_Wheelz]

Great interview, Playmaker is much smarter than I thought. DC4L

[@user-se5ln1bg6v]

Hell put Joe buck into the hall of fame again😅😅😅😅 he's the goat

[@zaypierson6255]

Love these!!!

[@darkreignfilms5648]

The Heart of America’s Team!!!!!!!

[@mr.intensity2685]

He stole the show in Adam Sandler's "The Longest Yard!"

[@jameslong1694]

Outstanding interview!!! One hell of a man that’s authentic and real!

[@randyrai1970]

My ALL TIME favorite Cowboy 🏆😍🏈

[@leonrodriguez1714]

Mine threw the ball to yours

[@MrBmick79]

My all time favorite football player

[@tykeaskins2238]

Terrific work!

[@WCH1]

Hello Mr Buck, sir you are a remarkable man in your own right, and the way you do your homework so well the history of the amazing guest it’s amazing. I would like to also suggest, you expand your portfolio of guest (like me), who were not superstar athletes yet, have overcome great adversity and either through means of Godly relationships and or, placing ourselves in better positions through better decisions and now we may not be rich but are being successful in many ways. My name is Will Harris, 63 years of age living in Las Vegas and living a successful life and admire the greats on your show

[@darrylmarbut47]

He said "hey coach here's the door try it now coach"🤣😂😂 Mike funny as hell man 😅

[@anthonycannon5830]

Great interview!!!!!

[@skaz777]

So much i didn’t know! Michael is a great man.

[@kscipkkkk]

Thanks Joe for framing the real MI, you could’ve gone in a completely different direction but you chose the real life direction. Thanks to MI for not hiding behind deceptions. Great interview!

[@user-ch4ld2co6c]

Dude is humble and gets it. Been there done that and open about the mistakes he's made and his successes. Not s cowboy fan but I'm a Michael Irvin fan.

[@804Casey]

Irvin , harper , novacheck emmitt and moose . Troy had a spread

[@stealthbomber2127]

While they were winning those Super Bowls, that Offensive Line was beating people down allowing those guys to flourish.

[@Sasquatch424]

Yeah A spread of cocaine

[@robertwiles8106]

@@Sasquatch424 yer mom spread em for all of us last night. Literally hundreds in line behind me when i finished my turn.

[@804Casey]

@@Sasquatch424 still a hall of famer

[@toddinthemiddle]

@@Sasquatch424 they snorted it off of a hooker's ass. or as you refer to her... mom 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lanceprzybyla7662]

This was Awesome!!!! From a Pats fan...😊

[@TheAvargas687]

One of the best WR i've ever saw ,the push off penalty was created cause of #88 lol, but man what a great player

[@ericmobley9808]

Love Mike DC4L ❤️

[@keithknox5829]

Does Michael Irvin have his own podcast? If he doesn’t, he should. Excellent communicator. Everything he says is so insightful and interesting.

[@zone47]

I didn't realize Mr. Irvin was such a likable and funny character! He was blessed with a good nature and good heart along with those great hands.

[@blueblahs]

4 nfc east players that were born to be steelers. Irving 88, reggie white, LT, sean taylor. Im sure the greats would say " yall coulda played with us". Fook you dallas. Watching this now tho. Iirving cold af. Game cant be told without him.

[@Andrew-kx2ek]

I will say this about Michael.... what u see on camera is what u get out in public! Unlike many other famous athletes.

[@DrDavis-cd5yj]

#88...we need you right! Stay the straight and narrow and stay on the air. Be cool...let's of this and thank you for the 3 SB's!!

[@davidharden7575]

Michael has some enormous flaws but i will always admire him and love him.

[@andrewphillips8198]

We are all flawed in many different ways and some more than others. What makes these athletes special is not what they did in the game but how they move on and try to improve as best they can from the flawed decisions considering the amount of fame and pressures they faced.

[@damonmcmann5293]

Them cowboys gonna be the death of him because he love that franchise so much. Wow! What passion

[@BigBalledBastard]

I’m a Birds fan.. His injury and the way PHL acted after brought great shame to me personally.

[@roaldrealtornews7143]

I remember at St. Edwards i was with my cousin helping as a camera man asst....during lunch time we were suppose to let all players cut in front of us in lunch line...i remember a player behind me that i was suppose to move out so the pkayer could eat first...very kindly man was Emmitt Smith he refused to take cuts and let us go first...St. Edwards is where Dallas won all 3 Superbowls...jerry bring da boyz to Austin Texas...managed to get pics with Emmitt, Troy Jerry and lots of other cowboys...very good character team..Michael was very hard to get a photo with...i guess that was the year he got pissex off that Jimmy got fired and recall before trainibg camp he had an episode when he threw a trash can because jimmy was let go....i guess that was the reason Michael was transitionung from jimmy to barry...Got a photo with Barrry..very nive nan..

[@joetorre3843]

Love you “Play Maker” ❤

[@darrylmarbut47]

Michael Irvins a card man,he's just real!!

[@redmustangredmustang]

Michael really was the word hard play hard type of people. He was one of the person who busted their butts in practice and that night would be the life at the party at the club. Come in Tuesday hungover and still practice his ass off. Sadly, Michael's partying and legal issues was one of the reason why the Cowboys didn't win more Super Bowls. I mean if social media was around in the 90's, Michael Irvin's name would be brought up all the time and TikTok vidoes of him partying would be all over the internet. Still, he got it done when the ball was thrown his way during the games. He used his body and knew how to push off without getting an offensive pass interference flag. Michael, Emmitt, and Troy were a big reason why they won 3 Super Bowls in 4 years.

[@jamesmarks6390]

Hes also the reason they win idiot

[@jaygarcia9477]

Stay Blessed 🙏 Cowboy 88 Playmaker 4life

[@troyc4250]

Ok so Vince Vaughn the actor and actor Peter Billingsley (A Christmas Story-Ralphie) wrestled executive producers? Wow!!

[@johnm2617]

Mike is a great guy ! Sure he did some crazy stuff< But who hasn't < My man speaks the truth!

[@DJTorr3z9]

I would imagine who researches Cowboys stuff is more for the younger Cowboy fans and we didn’t get to witness glory, still awaiting to witness glory. but the older fans, I wonder how it felt to thrive in those years and not have to worry about the detriment that Jerry Jones has caused us over the years. and I can only imagine how it felt to see the team fall apart and not be the same anymore. very difficult, very frustrating and very energy draining to be a Cowboys fan. this year was more frustrating because our defense ultimately let us down. say what you want about Dak, we didn’t come into this season saying Dak Prescott was gonna be a runner up for MVP despite playing mediocre teams. the beauty about this is next year we get a chance to prove ourselves and be comfortable enough to tell how our team is going to pan out given the competition that we have going into next year. next year is really the year to determine Dak and McCarthys future. this year in the Wild Card Round our offense was off but they could of turned it on and figure things out had our defense play the way they always were playing throughout the season. Cowboys nation this year is the year to really determine how it’s going to be for us and if it’s glory then we have a good future and if it goes to shit then let your buddy’s know you want to contract to switch teams

[@ANTOSEINC]

Lovable guy❤

[@Progressivegenius]

What a personality

[@kingallah7911]

A great team leader a dog something the Dallas Cowboys haven't had in many years

[@briancnomore]

Irvin is the best 😊✊🏿💪🏿

[@chrisc.2513]

I’m a lifelong Eagles fan and always will be…. It’s in our DNA to hate the Cowboys and their players… That said I have respect for a few of their players and this man is one of them.

[@raider4life44]

I remember the sign someone had during a monday night football game vs the Redskins that read: Hey Michael, the white lines on the field are chalk!

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

literally all of the Eagles and Washington team was on coc in the 80's 90's. Hahaha. Cowboys are JUST WINNERS while you are a dumbass loser. you have raped women and hit women and you have hit little children. you're a fraud you evil sack of maggot chit.

[@H0DLTHED0R]

Lol dayummmmm s0n

[@robertjones8771]

YES💪🏽🏈

[@jeremyfrechette6]

He's not perfect but he loves the Cowboys and the fans.

[@fairlanemuscle]

These interviews are baller.

[@lonnieknight9187]

I do love this videos but why are they so old. I am patiently waiting on the MJ one though

[@patrapper7367]

Why these interviews so late?

[@michaelh1949]

These interviews were yrs ago

[@toddwilliams1380]

Same thing I’m saying!

[@lonnieknight9187]

I been asking myself that for awhile.

[@jgamez5023]

That offensive line was absolutely FEROCIOUS in that second Super Bowl. I couldn't believe how huge the holes were that Emmitt ran through. The greatest O-line of all time without a doubt !

[@marcamerine7941]

I HATE the Cowboys! But I LOVED Michael Irvin.! I loved his intensity

[@rj-vj8gr]

second best WR of his time

[@MrNaturalSez]

40:20 Don't worry Barry, Coach Landry also had problems getting his door open after Super Bowl wins.

[@tjtiger2183]

That was awesome ! I love my 90s Cowboys

[@kpmurphy2738]

It is funny how all these black guys with fathers have good lives.

[@jimmysweat2200]

Michael Irvin is real.

[@PastorJ601]

I admire you brother for your stand for God!

[@louisabrams9590]

47 and 88 = number 1 wide receiver

[@stephenrayporter4938]

After watching this, I believe Michael Irvin is one of the most eloquent men I have ever listened to!

[@bradleymiller7375]

🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

Michael Irvin is The Best WR to Ever play in the NFL.

[@postergmail6202]

Hmmmm.. there’s this guy named Rice….

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

@@postergmail6202 who played before the NFL became REAL. No one was watching in the 80's. Everyone started watching in the 90ls. That's not my only point or my strongest point. NO defense in the NFC West. No dynasties. No Salary cap. No anything. cause no one was watching. The NFL became real in 1989. Rice played the role of a second receiver and couldn't take triple teams like Irving and still get 20 yards everytime. Irvin was bigger stronger, faster jumped higher. Rice's stats were garbage in the 90's when Football was real. Irvin got 3 Championships in the 90's while Rice only got 1. Irvin 3 rings in 8 seasons. Haha. rice 4 rings in 19 seasons. Which is better. 3 in 8 is way better. Also better stats per season. More TD's per season. Played in better division. niners played a spread offense which never wins against a REAL TEAM.

[@Solo413]

49ers never played a "spread offense." If you knew anything about the history of the NFL, they played what's known as the West Coast Offense utilizing both a halfback, fullback, and a tight end with 2 WR's. Man, you really are a dolt.@@JimBrave-ri1oc

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

They played 4 Wide and 1 single back that is the same as a Spread. Irving is the most talented WR. He won in College and the Pros. He won more games per season. He played in better era. and didn't play in a gimmick offense. Cowboys would got 10 and 0 vs your 80's niners. You know and Everyone knows. 52-0. Irving is better and He would Win against you. Cowboys were BETTER. That is the only point that matters. If they played Irving would win and get more yards and stats. Also his team he would lead to 63-0. @@Solo413

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

It was a Passing Offense. You are the DOLT . They played Spread off end in the 90's. You Idiot. Man you are a dolt. Cowboys threw a total of 20 times per game. 49ers threw 35 times per game Yet Irvin has more TD's per season and MORE YARDS PER SEASON. Thats the point you Dumbass. 49ers never used a FB and RB not once in the 80's or 90's you idiot. Irvin is better. Better stats and yards per catch. Irvin was better. If he played in sf he would average 2500 a season with 25 TD's every season. FACTS Rice even said that. Irvin could do more, He was a more All Around Football Player and WR He is 6'2 220 and Had better stats and Highlights in the 90's.

[@jt8811]

Good lord, more advertisements than a tv show.

[@mntmom8223]

Mike so fine, right now🔥

[@WISDOMvsKnowledge22]

Irving cannot be alone because then, he would actually have to do - what his wife once told him to do!!!

[@stewpittt]

I was definitely apprehensive about listening to this interview, contrary to how great of a football player he was. I remember him getting in some sort of trouble when he was in the NFL for several years. He had a wife and kids, and he was caught in a hotel room with a prostitute and a bunch of drugs. I remember seeing the pictures of him showing up in court in a full length mink coat in the middle of summer, sunglasses on in the building, with some stupid hat. I’m not sure how you can respect a person like that, but some people do. But as far as interview goes, it’s pretty clear his younger years affected his older ones, in ways that one could likely never predict. I was surprised to hear that when In kindergarten, he didn’t know how to write his own name, no colors or things like that that every kindergartners should know. Regardless of preschool, aren’t your parents supposed to help with those things? Even though he was one of 17 kids, we were all the kids that as well?

[@roaldrealtornews7143]

Was Bob Hayes ever inducted in hall of fame

[@CLEDUSSNOW3000]

Yes

[@RonnieYoung-zx8wu]

Jimmy Johnson's home in Miami

[@anthonyjacksonjr4812]

The playmaker. Michael Irvin. 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@waynenoll1967]

Lamb needs to take notes…

[@alejandroontiveros4681]

The scissors man!!

[@adamr6794]

I thought it was a straight razor?

[@LoneRanger5150]

Playmaker!!!!!!

[@CorySmith-eh6ux]

Pink!!

[@toeknee5565]

You're telling me my packers could have had Sterling Sharpe AND mike irvin??

[@amancio2446]

Although I HATE the cowboys, I LOVED THE PLAYMAKER!!! Ever since he put his hand in the dirt at THE U!!!

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

Well I HATE YOU and Your terrible team. So THERE. FK U

[@justinfletcher7630]

They dont makeany women like MRS. Irvin

[@spordlaw]

Geez, adore The Playmaker, but that wrap at the end?….Joe can pivot and wax poetic with too much ease. Jack would be proud.

[@mottthehoople684]

IT'S NOT COMPLICATED...HE HAD A DAD IN THE HOUSE...I MISS PLAYERS LIKE IRVIN..GOD BLESS...NOW IM A RACIST

[@leonrodriguez1714]

Barry f'd it up

[@lakerat3]

Don't feel bad about loosing to Joe PA in a bowl game. Other teams f**ked off and Joe didn't let his team loose focus.

[@Goji-eletienne]

I think #MichaelIrvin missed an opportunity to say, "I walked away from football when I HAD TO, because I learned my lesson from that hotel arrest and ensuing process, but it took my wife to show me that sme choices are bigger than me."

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

what are ou talking about

[@Goji-eletienne]

@@JimBrave-ri1oc if you don't see the commonality between the two situations, then nothing I can say will ever make it clear to you. Enlighten yourself.

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

@@Goji-eletienne why do you think you are a judge of people. why don't you enlighten yourself. He quit cause of a back injury on a dirty hit going over the middle and the stupid racists in the north east cheered and threw batteries at him while he was lying there injured. He tried to rehab but the doctors said it would be better to retire and he was already 32 and that is when most WR's retired anyway in the 90's. He already had 3 Rings how many does your team have in the 90's. Not as many as He got. you in the north east are racist and judgey

[@bradleymiller7375]

I love Joe's interview but hate that loud mouth!

[@matthewzervas7308]

2 min in. ad.

[@c5scottman]

My fellow Cowboy fans you're looking at the number one reason (outside of Jimmy Johnson) the Cowboys didn't win at least FOUR SB's in a row.

[@lonnieknight9187]

I thought it was Jerry Jones

[@andypistole3497]

And you are also looking at the reason they won the 3 they did.. I did/ still do...live in Dallas and Criticize ALLLLL you want but the truth is Michael Irvin was the heart and soul of the entire Cowboy organization and The City of Dallas for that matter.... Almost the entire 12 yrs of his career...It was incredible to watch... With The Unbelievable power of his personality, his off the charts Charisma combined with his Work ethic he litterly carried this entire City on his shoulders during those Superbowl years.. Without him ...we may have won one Superbowl....After he retired things got boring and never were the same again . . We still miss him to this day .

[@anthonyvaldez6892]

I remember when he made the Texas monthly cover with a cocaine mustache 😅

[@charlesgoodman6293]

He isn't the original #88 that belongs to Mr Drew Pearson the owner Mr Jerry Jones keeps disgracing this number

[@robbyrobinson4500]

You have 1-6 kids, one has to turn out making money

[@TheRatoncito69]

so basically Michael said that Jimmy could have been the Belichick of that era!! making players accountable! look now what happened!!! oh Jerry the tyrant.

[@CorySmith-eh6ux]

Thug!!

[@dme1016]

#88 is OK with me, but he's irritating on TV when he gets excited. I couldn't IMAGINE how he was with an ounce of coke in him.. after a win. Jeez!! I'm surprised people let him live back in their WhiteHouse days....