Miami football legend Michael Irvin Sr. tested for throat cancer

In a heartfelt post on his Instagram page, Miami football legend Michael Irvin stated that he was tested for throat cancer over the weekend in Los Angeles. The 53-year-old Irvin lost his father to throat cancer at 51.

Michael Irvin played for the Miami football program from 1985-87. He still holds the Hurricanes record with 26 career touchdown receptions. Irvin is fourth in Miami history with 143 receptions and third with 2,423 yards. Irvin had tests done this weekend in a Los Angeles hospital after he has lingering throat problems from last fall.

Irvin stated in his Instagram post that the problems with his throat began when Irvin’s Dallas Cowboys upset the New Orleans Saints in November. The problems in Irvin’s throat according to the playmaker persisted for two months after the Cowboys big win over the Saints.

Irvin continued that after he saw several throat doctors he was told to schedule a biopsy. Growing up in a tough area of Fort Lauderdale Irvin said he to conquer his fears. Irvin said that he was fearless as a player on the field and off of it. Off the field, Irvin’s ability to stare fear down was a curse and a blessing.

Facing our own mortality can make even the most fearless people into cowards. Irvin said he is terrified. He also lost a brother to stomach cancer at age 46 in 2006. Irvin finished up his post by asking his fans to pray for him and his family whatever the results are.

The full text in Irvin’s Instagram post is below.

"“‪Spent Sun & Mon in LA at UCLA medical Health (Ronald Reagan Hospital) doing health test. I would not usually do this but this I need to share. Growing up in the ghetto of Ft Lauderdale the one thing you have to conquer to get out is FEAR. I did!As a football player the no fear gift served me well as a blessing and an asset on the field but sometimes off the field it’s been a curse and a liability. This past football season after the @dallascowboys beat the @Saints i was so elated and hyped I lost my voice and the problem persisted for almost 2months.After visiting some of the best throat Doctors they thought it to be wise to take a deeper look at the situation. So we schedule and performed a throat biopsy. To give background I share with you that I lost my father at the young age of 51. He had throat cancer. This daemon has chased and vexed me deep in my spirit all my life.So saying I am afraid this time is a big big understatement. I AM TERRIFIED!! My Faith tells me whenever you face great fear you go to your greatness power. Mine is God. I am asking all who will. Could you please send up a prayer to help my family and I deal with whatever the results may be?Thanks for your thoughts and prayers in advance🙏🏾🙏🏾I will continue to pray for your fams protection and prosperity as well. May God Bless us all 🙏🏾🙏🏾‬"

Irvin is not just a Miami football legend and Hall of Famer, he is also a Miami Hurricanes parent. His son Michael II is entering his Senior year on the Miami football team. The tight end missed all of last season after suffering a knee injury during training camp in August.

Irvin was one of the original players that helped make the Miami football program into the U. He entered as a Freshman two years after the Hurricanes won their first national championship. Irvin led Miami in receiving yards and touchdowns all three of his seasons with the Hurricanes. He also led Miami in receptions his last two seasons.

No one embodied the confidence, swagger and in his own words having “no fear” as much as Irvin did. His brashness and leadership under Jimmy Johnson helped paved the way for what the U has become.

Irvin has been one of the leaders in creating a strong alumni group among former players. Now Irvin could be in for the biggest battle of his life.