Bond between Irvin, Aikman special
by Tom Orsborn
San Antonio Express-News.
MIAMI - Troy Aikman makes no apologies for backing Michael Irvin during his many brushes with the law.
"When I showed up at court, it was in support of him as a friend, not in support of what he did," Aikman said.
Aikman was on hand today for Irvin's selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
It was quite a scene at the news conference for Cowboys fans. In addition to Aikman, the entire Jones family was there, as well as former Cowboys offensive coordinator Norv Turner and former Aikman backup Jason Garrett.
Jerry Jones recently hired Garrett to an undetermined position on the coaching staff. Garrett and Turner are also candidates to become head coach. Turner, the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator, is said to be the leading candidate.
But none of that was discussed today. Their only mission was to applaud Irvin.
Asked why he stuck by Irvin during his drug troubles, Aikman said, "I knew what kind of individual he is. I knew what he means to me. I knew what kind of friend he was.
"After our first season together, we went on a cruise. I'll never forget the first time he saw my mother on the ship. He went over to her and hugged her. Now whenever he sees her, he gives her a big hug and kiss and makes her feel like a million bucks."
When Turner was the Cowboys offensive coordinator in the early 1990s, Irvin used to bug him about getting the ball.
"I'd say, Norv, make sure you throw me the ball," Irvin said. "And he'd say, 'Stop bothering me, Michael. Do you think I'm stupid. I'm throwing you the ball.'"
That story brought laughs. Others brought tears.
That certainly was the case when Jones recalled a phone conversation Irvin had with his wife Sandy as he lay on a stretcher at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia after suffering what turned out to be a career-ending neck injury in 1999. Jones couldn't get through the story without stopping to collect himself. His eyes were filled with tears and his voice cracked with emotion.
"He's just a special person," Jones said. "He touches everyone that way. You just can't help but be emotional."
Turner also got a bit worked up recalling Irvin's legendary work ethic.
"At the end of our last practice each week, we would do a two-minute drill," Turner said. "You would think it was the Super Bowl the way Michael competed."
I was glad to see Irvin get into the Hall. He should have been a first-ballot choice. Selectors aren't supposed to judge candidates by their off-the-field behavior. On the field, I can't think of anyone in the NFL who wanted to win more than Irvin.
San Antonio Express-News.
MIAMI - Troy Aikman makes no apologies for backing Michael Irvin during his many brushes with the law.
"When I showed up at court, it was in support of him as a friend, not in support of what he did," Aikman said.
Aikman was on hand today for Irvin's selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
It was quite a scene at the news conference for Cowboys fans. In addition to Aikman, the entire Jones family was there, as well as former Cowboys offensive coordinator Norv Turner and former Aikman backup Jason Garrett.
Jerry Jones recently hired Garrett to an undetermined position on the coaching staff. Garrett and Turner are also candidates to become head coach. Turner, the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator, is said to be the leading candidate.
But none of that was discussed today. Their only mission was to applaud Irvin.
Asked why he stuck by Irvin during his drug troubles, Aikman said, "I knew what kind of individual he is. I knew what he means to me. I knew what kind of friend he was.
"After our first season together, we went on a cruise. I'll never forget the first time he saw my mother on the ship. He went over to her and hugged her. Now whenever he sees her, he gives her a big hug and kiss and makes her feel like a million bucks."
When Turner was the Cowboys offensive coordinator in the early 1990s, Irvin used to bug him about getting the ball.
"I'd say, Norv, make sure you throw me the ball," Irvin said. "And he'd say, 'Stop bothering me, Michael. Do you think I'm stupid. I'm throwing you the ball.'"
That story brought laughs. Others brought tears.
That certainly was the case when Jones recalled a phone conversation Irvin had with his wife Sandy as he lay on a stretcher at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia after suffering what turned out to be a career-ending neck injury in 1999. Jones couldn't get through the story without stopping to collect himself. His eyes were filled with tears and his voice cracked with emotion.
"He's just a special person," Jones said. "He touches everyone that way. You just can't help but be emotional."
Turner also got a bit worked up recalling Irvin's legendary work ethic.
"At the end of our last practice each week, we would do a two-minute drill," Turner said. "You would think it was the Super Bowl the way Michael competed."
I was glad to see Irvin get into the Hall. He should have been a first-ballot choice. Selectors aren't supposed to judge candidates by their off-the-field behavior. On the field, I can't think of anyone in the NFL who wanted to win more than Irvin.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:53 AM
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