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Michael Irvin, one of the greatest receivers of all time, has been Miami football's greatest fan all season. The former Hurricanes standout hasn't looked or acted 59 years old, either, with his amusing sideline acts.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer is no stranger to Miami's sidelines at games this season, serving as the program's unofficial mascot of sorts. The 1987 national championship winner with the Hurricanes has screamed, taken his shirt off and even pulled his belt off his pants, spreading his infectious personality across the team.
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Irvin, who played his entire NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, was on site for both of Miami's College Football Playoff wins against Texas A&M and Ohio State this season. He was also at the Hurricanes' season-opening win against Notre Dame, among others this season.
Irvin has set the bar high for Hurricanes alums looking to support their program. He'll almost certainly be on site again for Miami's upcoming CFP semifinal matchup against Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl.
Here's what to know about Irvin, who has gone viral in recent weeks as he represents his school.
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Why is Michael Irvin at Miami games?
While it's obvious to many fans why Irvin is at Miami games, for those unaware, Irvin played at Miami from 1984-87 and was a three-time All-American. The three-time Super Bowl champion later developed into the No. 11 overall pick of the 1988 NFL Draft to the Dallas Cowboys.
Irvin, who attended powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas High School Fort Lauderdale, Florida, just outside of Miami, starred for former Miami coach Jimmy Johnson, who later became his coach for the Cowboys. It's been decades since he last played, but he's still a star at Miami games, albeit without pads on.
It's not often a Hall of Famer is on a college sideline cheering on his former school on all fours like a dog or even pulling out his belt to act like he's whipping the opponent.
Irvin told the Associated Press in October that he's showing Miami – and its alums – what commitment looks like. He has a rooting interest too, of course.
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“For years — for years — we’ve come back to Miami and all season we talk to the young men about how important it is to give your all, like we gave our all, to the university,” Irvin said. “We talk about the great brotherhood. These young men today, they hear talk all the time. They hear everybody talking. You have to put substance behind the words to get any meaning towards these kids and who they are and what they are.”
Miami coach Mario Cristobal is an alum himself. Cristobal played offensive line for the Hurricanes from 1989-92, winning two national championships. He came to Miami the year after Irvin left early for the NFL draft.
“I think the best part of the way Mike brings his energy is the fact that he makes it very clear he’s very grateful for the University of Miami and for his time as a Miami Hurricane,” Cristobal said earlier this season via AP. “And I think that’s a feeling that needs to be expressed by any and all of us that ever played here, because a lot of us came in here not knowing our head from our feet.”
Irvin was even joined for Miami's Cotton Bowl win over Ohio State by legendary linebacker Ray Lewis, showing his vision coming to fruition.
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"All those guys were here winning championships," offensive lineman Anez Cooper said. "They pass on the torch to us. We're just trying to keep on and leave it the way they left it. But it's just good for those guys believing and trusting us."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michael Irvin has been Miami's biggest fan this season. Here's why.
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