Irvin's speech makes impression on young Cowboys hopefuls

IRVING -- Michael Irvin was a Hall of Fame receiver. He's almost as good a talker.

Irvin met with the 35 players at Cowboys rookie minicamp after their first practice Saturday. He gave them a 7-minute speech before leading them in breaking their post-practice huddle.

"His speech sounded like one of those 4th and Long [TV show] speeches he had," said receiver Jesse Holley, who spent last season on the Cowboys' practice squad after winning Irvin's reality series. "Anytime Mike gets a chance to speak, you know he's going to speak. It was a really powerful speech about opportunities, the privilege it is to be not only in the National Football League, but to be a Dallas Cowboy, and the things it's going to take to take this team to the next level. Some of the guys in this room are definitely going to be components in helping us get to that next level."

Irvin played 12 seasons, but he wishes he had one more.

"I tell them from the standpoint of a guy who wishes he could still run one more route," Irvin said. "Because it will be quick, and you will be telling some young guy, 'Trust me, [it's quick], so just make the most out of it.'"

Irvin hung around the field until top draft choice Dez Bryant was done catching kickoffs. Irvin hugged Bryant, and then talked to him about the responsibility of wearing the No. 88 made famous by Drew Pearson and then Irvin. Bryant wasn't made available for comment, but Irvin said he thinks Bryant understands the responsibility that comes with playing for the Cowboys and wearing a famous number.

"A lot of people have worn that Cowboy helmet before him," Irvin said. "[I told him] the honor it is to wear a Cowboy uniform. He plays for everybody that has played before him and for everybody that is going to play after him. I just wanted to give him a sense of the enormity of it all. And I think he understands that. He remains humble, and that's a good sign."

Click here to order Michael Irvin's proCane Rookie Card.



(star-telegram.com)