Jerry Jones Credits Michael Irvin For His Hall Of Fame Honor

Cowboys owner says he wouldn't have a gold jacket without the Playmaker's influence.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017, but he says he never would have received that honor if it weren't for the impact of former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin. Jones credits Irvin's winning mentality and fiery desire as being instrumental in the Cowboys' dynasty in the 1990s that led to three Super Bowl titles in four years.

Why it matters

This story highlights the lasting impact that star players can have on a franchise, even long after their playing days are over. Irvin's influence on the Cowboys' success is still felt today, as Jones defers to him on key decisions about the team's direction.

The details

Jones says that when Irvin speaks, he listens, because Irvin's winning attitude and physicality were crucial to the Cowboys' success in the 1990s. Irvin was selected by the Cowboys in the 1988 NFL Draft, just one year before Jones purchased the team, and his impact was immediate. The Cowboys went on to win three Super Bowls in four years from 1992-1995, cementing their status as an NFL dynasty.

  • Jerry Jones purchased the Dallas Cowboys in 1989.
  • Michael Irvin was drafted by the Cowboys in 1988.
  • The Cowboys won three Super Bowls from 1992-1995.

The players

Jerry Jones

The owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

Michael Irvin

A former wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007. Irvin's winning mentality and fiery desire were instrumental in the Cowboys' dynasty in the 1990s.

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What they’re saying

“What I'm for is for whatever Michael Irvin is for. I have a gold jacket. I wouldn't have the gold jacket had Michael Irvin not played for the Cowboys, in a manner of speaking.”

— Jerry Jones, Cowboys Owner (TMZ Sports)

“To be involved and be around the winning mentality or that winning physicality — when Michael says it, I listen.”

— Jerry Jones, Cowboys Owner (TMZ Sports)

The takeaway

This story highlights the enduring impact that star players can have on a franchise, even long after their playing days are over. Jerry Jones' success as the Cowboys' owner is inextricably linked to the influence of Michael Irvin, whose winning attitude and fiery desire were crucial to the team's dynasty in the 1990s.