Miami Hurricanes Ninth All-Time in Pro Football Hall of Fame Players

The next year with the first pick in the draft Dallas selected Troy Aikman from UCLA. That was the beginning of the Cowboys triplets. Emmitt Smith was drafted 17th overall by Dallas in 1990 and their run began.

Irvin struggled somewhat during his first three years in the NFL. The play maker played in just 32 of the Cowboys 48 games from 1988-90, starting 23. He had 78 receptions for 1445 yards 12 and touchdowns.

The Cowboys began their run in earnest in 1991. Dallas finished 11-5 and made their first playoff appearance of the Jimmy Johnson era. By 1992 Dallas began a run of three Superbowl titles in four seasons.

From 1991-98 Irvin missed only eight games. He was forced to retire after the 1999 season with a spinal injury suffered in Philadelphia. He finished his career as the Cowboys all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards.

Current Cowboys tight end Jason Witten breezed past Irvin’s reception record and is poised to break the yardage record this season. Irvin is third all-time in touchdowns receptions in franchise history. Witten needs just eight more touchdowns to set the franchise record. He is just two behind Irvin.

Irvin will go down as one of the most beloved Miami Hurricanes ever. Some might even credit him with bringing the U to popularity and helping create the Miami swagger.