Why is Michael Irvin on the Miami sideline? Explaining college connection to Mario Cristobal

Why is Michael Irvin on the Miami sideline? Explaining college connection to Mario Cristobal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Ole Miss Rebels will face the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff Semifinal.

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Anyone following Miami football this season has noticed NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin on the sideline. The legendary WR for the Dallas Cowboys consistently is down on the field, actively cheering and energizing the Hurricanes.

The Sporting News has all you need to know about why Michael Irvin is on the Miami sideline.

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Michael Irvin on Miami sideline

Over the past few seasons, Irvin has been best known for his antics on the Miami sidelines. When watching the Hurricanes play, it's borderline impossible not to see Irvin, along with other former Miami football players, as they're constantly shown throughout the broadcasts.

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When speaking on it, Irvin claims it builds brotherhood, and it's his responsibility as an alum.

During games, Irvin can be seen chest-bumping, losing his mind over big plays, and even crawling around on all fours.

One thing is for sure: Irvin is deeply passionate about this football program.

Where did Michael Irvin go to college?

Irvin did, in fact, go to Miami, which explains his care for the football program. There is a deep bond between Irvin and the Hurricanes, as in 1987, he was a massive contributor to their national championship.

When asked about staying heavily involved with this program, the 59-year-old states,  “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.”

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Irvin said he's proud to be a Hurricane and has never switched teams.

Michael Irvin college stats

*Won national championship

Michael Irvin's relationship with Mario Cristobal

Irvin and Miami head coach Mario Cristobal go back further than most might think. Nearly 40 years ago, when Cristibol was being recruited as a player to the Hurricanes, Irvin was one of the hosts.

Cristobal was part of two national championships at Miami as an offensive tackle with Jimmy Johnson as the head coach.

When Cristobal was initially hired to be the head coach for Miami, Irvin was outwardly supportive of it. Now, anytime Cristobal asks Irvin to come to a game, he always makes an effort to be there and be loud.

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There was even one instance in which Irvin planted a kiss on Cristobal after Miami's first-round playoff win over Texas A&M.

“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.

It's clear the two are close and share the same love for the football program at Miami.