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Michael Irvin - Greatest HOF Speech of All-Time
By Jeff | August 7, 2007
I wanted to take this moment to give honor to a great receiver, but more importantly, a man who has obviously undergone a great transformation. Michael Irvin’s past is well documented - from his great football statistics, super bowls, and touchdowns to his problems off the field with drugs, drinking, and bad decisions. Confidence, self-esteem, and ego was never an issue for Mr. Irvin.
He was always brash and in your face. He loved the spotlight and was not embarrassed of getting extra media attention. Number 88 was part of the famous Dallas Cowboys Triplets that won 3 Super Bowls in 4 years that helped set up the Dallas Dynasty of the early 1990s. Troy Aikman was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame last year and Emmitt Smith will join them around 2010. I’m sure, like me, most people were expecting some funny football stories, recognition of fellow teammates and family members, and a whole lotta whatever about how he did what he did and all that he accomplished.
However, on this day, August 5th 2007, America witnessed the transformation of a man as Michael Irvin showed humility and frailty as we have never seen before. He was sorry for being a bad son, bad husband, and bad father. He spoke little about his football accomplishments and spoke more about being a man. He spoke about not being a living example for his kids and his wife. I’ve always had respect for Michael Irvin the football player, but never the man. I’ve always had a problem with people who abused drugs and alcohol. It never made sense to me. But I’ve also always been a fan of redemption as I have my own weaknesses and imperfections that I must deal with daily.
As I was listening to his speech, the back of my throat began to hurt and tears formed in my eyes as I thought of my own imperfections and bad decisions, and a newfound respect for the man Michael Irvin appeared that is usually reserved for family members. I’ll never meet Mr. Irvin in all likelihood, but if given the chance I would feel compelled to shake his hand, pull him in for a good ol’ fashioned man-hug and tell him thanks for the most introspective Football Hall of Fame Speeches of all time. Thanks Michael Irvin, from the bottom of a Cowboys fan’s heart, thanks!
ESPN’s transcript of Michael Irvin’s speech
I apologize, but at the time of this post, I was unable to find an easier link to view the video from this page. But if you click the graphic above and scroll down the list of videos on NFL.com, you’ll see his induction speech along with Part 2 right below it. They are not short videos, but you’ll be better for it if you take the time to watch them back to back.
Topics: Dallas Cowboys, Hall of Fame, Michael Irvin |
August 7th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
Great post! Very informative! I love the countdown to little think box counter! You are funny! Take care!
August 8th, 2007 at 1:47 am