With the clock ticking toward kickoff, The Playmaker has scored a new TV deal.
Michael Irvin has signed a new contract to remain with NFL Network, according to NFL Media spokesman Alex Riethmiller. Meanwhile, Irvin will continue his part-time gig with ESPN where he faces off against Stephen A. Smith on “First Take.”
The 56-year-old Irvin’s previous deal was set to expire right before kickoff of the 2022 NFL season. But the Dallas Cowboys legend wanted to stay — and the league’s 24/7 network wanted to keep him.
- The Hall of Famer has been with NFL Network since 2009. He co-stars on “NFL GameDay Morning” with Rich Eisen, Steve Mariucci, Kurt Warner, Ian Rapoport, Cynthia Frelund and Rachel Bonnetta.
- The three-time Super winner appears on other shows such as “NFL Total Access,” while covering tentpole events such as the Super Bowl and NFL Combine.
- With his deal expiring, there was speculation Irvin might return to ESPN where he served as an analyst after retiring from the NFL.
Irvin vs. Smith To Continue
A new generation of ESPN viewers have been introduced to Irvin’s outsized personality due to his feverish debates with Smith on “First Take.”
Played broadly for laughs, the former Cowboys star appears as the biggest cheerleader for America’s Team, while a cackling Smith (wearing a black hat and mouthing an unlit cigar) mocks Dallas as perennial losers. Moderator Molly Qerim has referred to Irvin as Smith’s “biggest” TV rival.
Irvin also hosts “The Michael Irvin Podcast,” where he’s interviewed the likes of Smith, Pat McAfee and Barry Sanders.
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