Pro Football Hall of Fame: Meeting the one and only Michael Irvin

Read Time:3 Minute, 29 Second

My love as a fan when it comes to Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin goes back almost 30 years. Starting in 1992, I began watching the Dallas Cowboys but I wasn’t always glued to the television like I am today. However, that all changed in January of 1993 during Super Bowl XXVII. I didn’t leave the couch except to use the bathroom or grab some food during commercial breaks and I was captivated by the blue star and silver helmets.

As the Cowboys beat down the Buffalo Bills one player stood out the most, Irvin. He had the swag and a flash when he played that was mesmerizing to me. I was set to start my football journey later that fall and it was Irvin that made me love the game and he made me understand at a young age that you have to completely pour yourself into being a football player.

As the years went on, I became more amazed at how Irvin played the game. It was as if every snap was his last and he put everything out on the field. He emptied the tank and left no doubt about his effort or commitment to being great. I always took that with me when I played football.

Once I became an adult the thought crossed my mind about what it would be like to meet Irvin someday. But, I just figured that was something that wouldn’t happen to a small-town kid like me. What are the odds of that being a reality? A billion to one? It was just a dream that would always be there in my mind but I’d never get to experience it, that’s how I saw it.

I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the 2020 and 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremonies last weekend and I knew a plethora of gold jacket recipients would be in attendance, including Irvin, but even then the thought of actually meeting him wasn’t something I saw happening.

Once the festivities ended on Sunday I remained in the press box for about an hour. I grabbed all of my belongings to go outside and wait for a Lyft ride to take me back to my hotel. Then, as I’m walking past other media members who were closing down shop for the night, I look to my left, and there he is. My football hero, Michael Irvin, was no more than 10 feet away from me.

For a few seconds, I was starstruck. However, I realized that if I was ever going to meet him and shake his hand that this was the time to do it. I put down my laptop bag and garment bag and walked over to him. I said, “How are you doing, Mike?” As he shook my hand I could tell he was in a hurry. But, I had to ask him for a picture.

He responded with “Yeah, let’s go over here” as he pointed to the exit door. A lady was walking with him that I assume was his driver or something because she insisted that they had to go. Nonetheless, Irvin took the time to make my dream come true. I couldn’t believe it, I was standing next to him and taking a picture with him.

Nearly three decades after this man made me fall in love with the game of football and the Cowboys I got to spend about 30 seconds with him. Although it was brief, that moment will last a lifetime. I don’t feel it will be the last time our paths will cross. However, if by some chance it is, he has no idea what that meant to me. There’s no Dallas Cowboy, football player, or athlete I hold in higher regard than him and it capped off an amazing week in Canton for my first trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

I just want to say thank you to Michael Irvin. I can go on and on about how special that was for me but words won’t fully do it justice. I was a moment in time, our moment, and I’ll never forget it.