Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
In a recent discussion, Jerry Jones, owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, highlighted the significant impact of Michael Irvin on his own Hall of Fame status. Jones, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017, emphasized that without Irvin, his gold jacket might not have been possible.
During an interview with TMZ Sports, Jones stated, “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.” Irvin, selected as the 11th overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft, played a pivotal role in the Cowboys’ success during the 1990s, a period marked by three Super Bowl victories.
Michael Irvin’s Legacy with the Cowboys
Irvin’s contributions to the Cowboys are well-documented. He ranks second in franchise history with 11,904 career receiving yards, second with 750 receptions, and fourth with 65 receiving touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. His record of 1,603 receiving yards in the 1995 season stood as the franchise’s single-season record until CeeDee Lamb surpassed it in 2023 with 1,749 yards.
Irvin’s excellence on the field earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007. Beyond statistics, Jones praised Irvin for his “winning mentality,” which he believes was essential to the Cowboys’ culture and success. “To be involved and be around the winning mentality or that winning physicality — when Michael says it, I listen,” Jones remarked, underscoring Irvin’s influence as a leader.
The Current State of the Cowboys
Despite their storied history, the Cowboys have struggled to return to their former glory. The team has not participated in an NFC Championship Game since their last Super Bowl win in January 1996. This past season ended for the Cowboys with a disappointing record of 7-9-1, leading Jones to reflect on the need for players who embody Irvin’s tenacity and competitive spirit.
As the Cowboys look to revitalize their roster, the emphasis on finding players with a similar winning mindset remains a priority for Jones. His admiration for Irvin serves as a reminder of the qualities that have defined successful teams in the past, as he aims to restore the Cowboys to a championship-caliber level.
