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Thursday, January 22, 2026

Michael Irvin Pulled From NFL Network, ESPN Super Bowl Coverage

  • Woman makes a complaint against the Hall of Fame wide receiver.
  • Former Dallas Cowboy will not appear on ESPN’s ‘First Take’ show on Friday.
Michael Irvin and Nick Sirianni spoke at Super Bowl.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

PHOENIX – Michael Irvin has been pulled from his NFL Network duties for Super Bowl week after a woman reported a complaint against the Hall of Fame wide receiver.

The allegation may also impact the broadcast’s scheduled appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” this week.

“Michael Irvin will not be a part of NFL Network’s Super Bowl LVII week coverage,” said Alex Riethmiller, NFL Network’s vice president of communications. 

The NFL legend will not appear with Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim’s on Friday’s Super Bowl preview edition of the top-rated weekday morning show, sources said. 

ESPN declined to comment.

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Irvin, nicknamed “The PlayMaker,” works full-time as an NFL Network analyst while moonlighting with Smith on “First Take.”

Irvin was on the job for NFL Network Monday night, interviewing Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid at Footprint Center. 

Irvin told the Dallas Morning News he was “baffled” by the accusation.

“This all happened in a 45-second conversation in the lobby. When I got back after going out … I came into the lobby and I talked to somebody. I talked to this girl. I don’t know her, and I talked to her for about 45 seconds. “We shook hands. Then, I left…That’s all I know.”

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