Michael Irvin's Speech...

[FantasyMan13]

...was really good, IMO. Very powerful. I still think ESPN made a mistake and he will be missed. Anyone else check it out?

[Cowboys 4 life]

Love how he credited God, the fans, and everyone involved in his career.

[aaawall91]

Missed it, would it be on youttube, or is there a writen version anywhere?

[Kilroy]

Irvin should just be grateful to be able to remember his induction.

Gene Hickerson wasn't afforded that opportunity, even though he opened he opened holes for three HOF backs over a decade plus. Bobby Mitchell. LeRoy Kelly. Jim Brown. The man paid the price in an era where the only rule was there were no rules to open gaps for 3 of the 20 best Running Backs in the history of the NFL, one of which just so happens to be the greatest football player ever.

Had he been given the respect he deserved he'd have been in 15 Years ago, and been able to see his life's labor fulfilled. As it was, his son had to that for him.

[Slow Pitch]

It was very good.

Very raw & emotional. You can tell it was 100% sincere. Very rare w/ today's guarded athletes. Not trying to hide from his mistakes, but actually put them out there to teach others to be better is very refreshing...

[beanoX3]

Missed it, would it be on youttube, or is there a writen version anywhere?

It's on NFL.com's homepage, in their video section right now. Don't know how long its gonna stay up though.

[moochman]

It was very good.

Very raw & emotional. You can tell it was 100% sincere. Very rare w/ today's guarded athletes. Not trying to hide from his mistakes, but actually put them out there to teach others to be better is very refreshing...

Call me jaded, but when I see an public figure standing in front of cameras with a prepared speech crying I think insincerity. Especially when they use their children as props. Staged is what I see.
Irvin's mistakes are too well documented for him to hide from them, but I do credit his handlers for coming up with a speech that would help people feel empathy for Irvin. He did a nice job with the speech. I just don't buy it. He wiped his nose several times, yet never once thought to wipe the tears off of his cheeks? Would ruin the affect.

[SniperShot]

It was an awesome speech. I was totally not expecting it but it was amazing. Props to Irvin, that speech will not soon be forgotten.

[mystykoekaki]

Just read the transcript (because I can't stand watching him) and it certainly wasn't anything to write home about. It was actually rather boring for a Michael Irvin speech/converstation, and it was at some points very basic. You didn't miss much if you haven't seen/read it.

[eaglesrule]

I didn't think it was on the level of "four score and seven years ago," but I was surprised. He isn't particularly insightful or articulate in my opinion, so even though he obviously had help, I also think tears are hard to fake, especially for a member of a society that has been taught to hide them for so long.