Michael Irvin Hall of Fame Induction Speech

St. Thomas Aquinas alumnus Michael Irvin (c/o 1984) was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 5, 2007 at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, OH.

[@Kaleogriffith]

What a powerful, giving, brave, naked, humble speech. The man bared his soul. Who does that? I applaud you Michael Irvin.

[@mr.awesome4693]

Naked is a bit unnecessary

[@Kaleogriffith]

@@mr.awesome4693 perhaps you're right. :)

[@stottzy]

i chose this as my final exam speech for my public speaking class because i love this speech so much and im a huge cowboys fan. Go Cowboys!!!

[@MrDjtuck]

Michael Irvin has that "IT" which means he is gifted with charisma. I appreciated this speech because Michael admitted his past transgressions and is now a changed man. A good man, a man with integrity. Today he is a much better person than he ever was as a Football Player (An All Time Great). I could listen to him all day!

[@FreedomFighter2112]

If I had to pick one receiver to be on my team, it would be Michael Irvin. Not only was he one of the greatest talents the game has ever seen, he was also one of the greatest leaders.

[@oatydave3814]

Jerry was no leader. Mike was three leaders rolled into one body.

[@captainwangy224]

Probably one of the best SPEECHES I've ever heard. I'm listening to it for the 10th time now and it's just as inspiring as the first time

[@plzifna1979]

Listen to Deion Sanders

[@jhpvids]

best speech ive heard. cried a lot about redemption and mistakes. powerful.

[@bijoubijoux5185]

Michael irvin made the best hall of fame speech i've ever seen. He's in general a great speaker.

[@michaelfowler8673]

one of the greatest speech one from the heart the playmaker

[@JAMES-wl2pd]

Michael Irvine's speech is the G.O.A.T, he first gave glory to God and he honored his family, coaches team mates former students of the game. Michael ended with instructions for his two sons to be a better father than he. Look up get up and move forward.

[@ericbrooks9326]

ALL things POSITIVE is the ALL MIGHTY unseen as you call him... but everything seen derives from the "UNSEEN" as you call him Arron Gilliam...GOD, The MOST High or any of the many attributes The UNSEEN go by dwells in EVERYTHING seen and unseen... specially MAN !!! ... MAN is the true manifestation of the UNSEEN as you call him... only does MAN truly manifest the MOST HIGH is when one reach a GODLY state of MIND... through KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING brother... EVERYTHING that is GOOD is GOD my brother... so to respect and praise the good that GOD deliver is no knock on anyone that does so... that my brother is one reaching a level of UNDERSTANDING... which is the path to the STRONGEST element that exist... LOVE !!! my brother.... PEACE...

[@bigoldinosaur]

Great speech. RIP Reggie White.

[@richf6976]

Great speech. Clearly a man who regrets some decisions in life. I can relate. I would tell my kids the same. Don't ever be like me and I'm sorry. Thanks Michael for sharing. You're alright in my book.

[@f1tony2003]

Best HOF speech ever. In any sport.

[@GregoryAlanBaileygamereviews]

Fran Tarkenton's is the greatest I've ever seen.

[@mylovesongs2429]

yes sir! Michael's HoF speech is the best ever. Shannon Sharpe's is second best. So many great HoF speeches over the years! Emmitt Smith also had a great one. Kurt Warner, Cris Carter, Marshall Faulk also had great speeches. Terrell Davis, Brett Favre, LaDanian Tomlinson, Larry Allen, Jerome Bettis, Deion Sanders, too!

[@naturalwealth465]

Shannon Sharpe Allen Iverson

[@tylerjohnson5944]

Rey Lewis

[@jamessummerlin8234]

Say whatever you want about his troubles. ON and OFF the field the Playmaker has HEART !!!!

[@craigdiascd]

+James Summerlin 100% HEART!!!!

[@mo2743]

absolutely

[@reybat4969]

Darren Woodson should be a hall of famer. He revolutionized the safety position. He was ed reed before ed reed and he has 3 Super Bowl rings.

[@AutotuneSucksBalls]

Rey Bat I agree as a Redskins fan Woodson was a beast he deserves to be in the HOF hope one day he's inducted

[@jamessummerlin8234]

Rey Bat Damn right Rey ! Woodson was the man. Ronnie Lott, Woodson, Ed Reed

[@jayfoulk2453]

+Rey Bat I was just telling a friend of mine that Woodson should be in the HOF. He is exactly what belongs in the Hall. Tremendous player that did it quietly and with complete class. He's a role model of the highest order.

[@brianmccall452]

And he's the all-time leading tackler in Cowboys history. Put him in the Hall!

[@boygood3141]

Damn I didn't realize he wasn't in be yes he changed that position he was basically a linebacker at safety I think he was actually in college.He was a pro and treated it as a proffession and u never heard of any bs with him off the field a class act I think he was one of those picks the cowboys got in the hershal walker trade

[@MalikMaximus]

No matter how many times I've watched this it always touches my heart. This is beautiful

[@stephbetter3806]

Ikr

[@budknowitall7140]

check out shannon sharpes hof speech, its powerful

[@MalikMaximus]

bud knowitall love that speech as well it was wonderful

[@tfsalnave1]

His ending speech to his son's is a the definition of being one of a kind man.

[@222333aaaaaa]

Was never a fan of Irvin as a player (partially bc I wasn't a Cowboys fan), but the guy seems like a genuinely gracious, humble, and loving guy. Big ups to him.

[@marvelandgroup]

No script straight from the heart. As of 2015 his speech is top 3 of all time.

[@glakebriffin2]

marvelandgroup whos the other 2 besides michael irvin?

[@hakeemalsomali10]

@@glakebriffin2 Shannon Sharpe and Deion Sanders

[@kmankable]

Michael Irvin is just a good guy.

[@JazWilliams]

Gosh I never cried so much watching someone speak!! Sheesh! Where's the tissue when you need it!!!!! His words were so heartfelt and so true. This was so inspiring.

[@bryansmith4403]

Absolutely love his speech. Greatest hall of fame speech ever.

[@bailinnumberguy]

One of the great speeches I've ever heard. Straight from the heart and beautifully delivered.

[@brandonryans7310]

He's an inspiration to all us

[@mwvideo1]

This was one of the best speeches if not the best in Hall of Fame history. Not just because I am a Die - Hard fan. But because he honored God!!!!

[@igorslocks]

Watching his mother just crying her eyes out when he talks about "latter days better than former ones & storytelling&laughing w/ mom & auntie" is so emotional & so fulfilling. It doesn't get much better.

[@datruth1547]

Best HOF speech ever!!!!!!!!

[@dijonswinton7361]

Michael Irving your speech touches my heart! I will never give up! No matter how hard it is, I always think of your words

[@georgemitchell6249]

Love my man Michael Irvin great wide receiver fantastic teammate a great analysis especially with the Cowboys the greatest cool when you bring Diamond over to help you with that Super Bowl Deion Sanders

[@RugersRugin]

this man is so passionate about football and about life. he's one of my role models. i hope to meet him one day

[@billyjenkins3672]

Greatest Hall Of Fame speech of all time!! MIAMI'S OWN...THE PLAYMAKER

[@elchucofried5683]

aka da coke machine

[@terrancemerrill7226]

Look up, get up, and never give up

[@miamidolphinsdiehardfan109]

My favorite part

[@brocklanders9259]

Was the heart and soul of those cowboy teams of the 90s

[@michaelfowler8673]

man what a speech

[@eddiedelgado60]

Michael Iriving is a pretty nice person who just wants the best for everyone. A true deserving WR. One of the best who was also a really good guy. Also, he made Jerry Jones tear up which honestly stays something: I dont think I ever seen Jerry tear up. He really is the most humble WR out there.

[@JordanSmith-ni2xz]

Words cant speak how deep this speech really is ... playmaker

[@FallacyUnknown]

Great speech indeed

[@lionmane9093]

A class act....Great speech and spectacular person. (Coming from an Eagles' fan)

[@jayfoulk2453]

That's saying something, coming from an Eagles fan! Well done!

[@qato72]

Most underater wide-receiver in the NFL!!!! Ty Michael for the yoyo circus u gave me but ultimately as a AMERICA'S TEAM FAN TY for the joy! u r the best at your position Michael Irvin

[@boygood3141]

My fav we of all time he was a beast he played with so much passion and heart he didn't have that burning speed that u want in a wr but he was physical and strong he alot of problems but he always over came them weather it was Jerry's money or what ever but I remember him for his love for the game

[@pmoorepm]

Micheal Irvin....the man... Not the myth....my latter days will be better than my badder days

[@michaelharrington75]

Irvin, not "Irving".

[@pmoorepm]

@@michaelharrington75 it your fault... I've been spelling it IRVING and not IRVIN for 30 years

[@Salvatore1268]

by far and it aint even close the single greatest hall of fame speech any sport any time Michael Irvin thank u

[@SpiritLedServant]

Magnificent speech; he spoke from his very core. Much respect to Mr. Irvin. To the haters, ..."He who is without sin, may throw the first rock."

[@loicalex]

So humble. I have honestly anything else to say. Michael Irvin's speech is the most personless speech I've ever heard. What a man.

[@Antbeast23]

Favorite speech all time. Spoke from the heart.

[@glenjohnson6053]

Glen. Johnson. A. Very. Inspireing. Speech. And. Made. Feel. Very. Blessed. Too. Hear. A. Very. Humble. Man. Of. God. Who. Loves. His. Kids. And. Family. And. Wants. Them. Too. Grow up. Into. Young. Men. With. Good. Vaules.

[@brendancalloway4313]

love Irvin.

[@marquailrose5889]

I and DALLAS TEXAS would like to thank you you are one of the great of all time back to back super bowl champion and want to thank you again much love and respect God bless you and your family

[@michaelfowler8673]

you did well Michael

[@SteebTehWooper]

that was amazing

[@DropZone33]

Such an inspirational speech by the G.O.A.T. Michael Irvin.

[@propertyexpertny1610]

That's the Playmaker right there. Canes Family Forever.

[@charlesketcham6743]

I Love that !!❤💜 & OMFG YOU ARE AN Superb !!😍😍😍

[@billb5690]

Irvin's speech was really amazing

[@doowop6409]

tasting your tears is NEVER a bad thing! god bless!

[@MyFinsfan]

Very classy human being

[@paulrichards9363]

Great speech! I wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

[@TheWorldsBiggestFan89]

Look Up, Get Up, and Don't Ever Give UP!!!!

[@montaellis2860]

Wow, this one almost made me shed a tear

[@emiliacofer549]

great🔥🔥

[@clovisdickinson1340]

That's Incredible

[@michaelfowler8673]

man what a speech he had is demon

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

Amen Michael!

[@mathiassvensson5626]

Im no american fotball fan but this speech is awsome. My favorit moment starts at 23:56 omg so much emotion. This guy should go for politics.

[@TubbierWombat]

Joey COCO That doesn't matter, there are politicians who admitted to doing drugs while in office.

[@andrewyoung8712]

The play maker! Class act!

[@silencesir1987]

No excuses, no lineup just straight business. Irvin is one of the last greats of a generation to play old school nfl football.

[@cowtowntx.6740]

Love you Cowboys Nation!!!!

[@codybarnett4574]

My favorite cowboy

[@johns8596]

yeah easily the greatest hof speech

[@jamesstewart8092]

A work in progress like all of ourselves . God bless

[@bill1589]

Not that my opinion amounts to a hill of beans, but Michael redeemed himself in my eyes with his speech. He bared his soul, admitted his mistakes and shortcomings at an occasion where most will all too gladly bask in the moment of adulation. He showed what a real man is.

[@coachmikesfilmroom3111]

I don't disagree with what you're saying, but if he hadn't it wouldn't matter much. He doesn't owe us anything. So long as he righted things with his family, friends and God, that's all that really matters. Opening up about everything is a bonus to us though.

[@bill1589]

@@coachmikesfilmroom3111 precisely my point, it wouldn’t’ve mattered much ~to most ~but he showed that those things are what really matters. Not living a lifestyle

[@Firedogg301]

That's because Barry Switzer was a lottery winner, right place, right time, right players. He didn't have to do shit but not let it fall apart. He deserves no credit.

[@ETR0325]

As an Eagles fan I hate the Cowboys but I loved the 88 played the game

[@maddenmobile162]

it realy is ture the best come form the south

[@boygood3141]

That was a great game the 94 NFC championship game was a great game with the 49ers hell they were all great games that was the year the 49ers went out spent all that money got Deon and a few other great players

[@geo_ashburn]

This made me respect him as a man. He does something very classy when he asks Jesus to help the late Gene Hickerson. Hickerson was a Guard for The Browns in the 60's who blocked for Jim Brown, Leroy Kelly and Bobby Mitchell. Jim Brown for years tried to get Hickerson inducted. IMO, Hickerson should've been inducted years before he actually was. Sadly, he was suffering from the effects of Alzheimer's Disease and had to be wheelchaired to the stage by Brown, Kelly and Mitchell.

[@briangilstrap895]

Unplugged, but Still...............The U

[@DJ-mt8dt]

🙌🏻

[@michaelfowler8673]

Texas legend

[@roknrolla1329]

FAVRE4EVER.

[@oldben1800]

he is a hall of fame person

[@ThePlasticBowl]

Straight out the U

[@ms.felonystrutter2472]

For as much as Emmitt was his best friend, when the chips were down and NO ONE....NO ONE wanted to be around Michael, not even Emmitt, always remember it was TROY AIKMAN who stood behind him when Michael needed someone most, NOT Emmitt. Troy Aikman was the REAL leader, the TRUE role model. When Troy backed you up, when he put his name on the line for you...that is when you knew who the true leader of the Cowboys was. Truth be told, when we ere not doing well in 2001 winning was NOT the most important thing to Emmitt his last couple of years as a Cowboy, it was all about HIS yards and HIS ego. Don't believe me? You do not have to, all you have to do is look at the words of one Darren Woodson who I will always love and thank him for calling out Emmitt in the press and the locker room. When Michael needed someone the most, not Jimmy, not Emmitt, it was TROY or as Mike would say 'Roy. When he looked back and saw Troy in the court room, he was shocked.

[@dewarrencherry3544]

Redemption

[@s-dotmafia8963]

classic

[@alexhollingsworth5293]

well said ray lewis

[@toddinthemiddle]

one of my top two or three fave cowboys (fave is danny white). had some friends on a trip from california, in '96, cruising around the valley ranch parking lot, and who was there? #88. of his own volition, he stopped them, and told them to get out of their car so they could take pics with him. even though my once friends are no longer, the story is still there... who does that? hint: not troy aikman or emmitt smith. would love to meet michael irvin.

[@HOWBTDEMCOWBOYS]

jerry rice michael irvin randy moss top 3 all time

[@1Dub79]

I agree and in that order, as well.

[@nate23630]

No walter payton speech is the best

[@ludwigvoncocksucker6197]

I could run thru a fuckin wall after this

[@michaelfowler8673]

the long and winding road

[@tremainebarbour4396]

In our finest hour we crackhead on stage

[@kylebegley7978]

21:50

[@CEE80]

GO COWBOYS!!!

[@awalke29]

Funny he didn't show no love for coach switzer

[@JaneDoe-xq5gy]

He doesnt want to bring us SB's he wants to bring in money. IF he wanted to bring in SB's he'd make changes which he hasnt done in a few yrs

[@alfjones6377]

You know Michael Irving slept with Jerry Jone's wife: Gene Irving! DAAAMMMNNN!🤣🤣😃😂 Why else would Husband and wife be sitting so far apart?!

[@sitizenkanemusic]

Overrated. Smith was the whole team. Those 90s cowboys teams ran the ball more than twice the amount of passing it.

[@Antbeast23]

Really? I didn't know football was a one man sport.

[@propertyexpertny1610]

You my friend, are exactly what you look like. I feel sorry for you. And so would Mike.

[@rudydiaz8427]

that's why he is in the hall of fame he is the greatest of all time next to jerry

[@craigdiascd]

+Sitizen Kane Don't forget his achievements at The U. This guy was talented, don't knock a man achievements unless you have a serious reason. Your opinion is valid, but your point is bullsh*t!!

[@sitizenkanemusic]

C Dias I'm a big 'cane fane but hate dallas. But he is a very good receiver but I Cris Carter and Tim Brown, his contemporaries- were better.

[@theunknown4570]

Times up. Too long, too long. Speech to drawn out

[@patouwhale]

He's a preacher. This is terrible