In route
Irvin named Hall of Fame finalist
1/12/2005
By JEAN-JACQUES TAYLOR / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING – Former receiver Michael Irvin moved closer Tuesday to becoming
the first player from the Cowboys' championship teams of the '90s to be
enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Irvin is among 15 finalists who will be considered for election when the
Hall's Board of Selectors vote in Jacksonville, Fla., on Feb. 5.
Irvin, Dan Marino, Derrick Thomas and Steve Young are the only
first-year eligible candidates.
"It's an honor to get to this point, and we'll just see what happens,"
said Irvin, who holds virtually every important receiving record in
franchise history and helped Dallas win three Super Bowls in the '90s.
Harry Carson, Richard Dent, L.C. Greenwood, Claude Humphrey, Bob
Kuechenberg, Art Monk and George Young have all been finalists in
previous years.
The Seniors Committee had already determined two finalists: Fritz
Pollard and Benny Friedman.
The remaining 13 modern-era finalists were determined by a vote of the
Hall's 39-member Board of Selectors from a list of 25 semifinalists. To
be eligible for election, modern-era players must be retired at least
five years, while a coach needs only to be retired.
To be elected, a finalist must receive at least 80 percent approval.
At least three candidates must be elected, but the total class cannot
number more than six.
Irvin's career ended in the fourth game of the 1999 season, when
Philadelphia cornerback Bobby Taylor collided with Irvin, twisting his
head into the ground after a catch.
The injury revealed that he had a narrow spinal column and risked
paralysis, if he continued his career.
Irvin finished his career with 750 receptions for 11,904 yards and 65
touchdowns.
"The thing that I enjoy most about this process is that it makes people
remember," Irvin said. "It draws attention to a time when so many people
that I care about were in the prime of their careers and enjoying so
much success."
Ht., Wt: 6-2, 207
Age: 38
NFL seasons: 12
Pos.: Wide receiver
College: Miami (Fla.)
How acquired: First round, 11th overall, 1988 draft
Pro Bowls: 5 (1991-95)
Career receptions: 750
Career yards: 11,904
Career touchdowns: 65
