The Miami Hurricanes are one win away from a national championship, and Michael Irvin has been there every step of the way.
Of the many proud Hurricane football alums, Irvin is arguably the most recognizable, and definitely the most boisterous. His enthusiastic belt celebrations have been a major part of Miami’s championship chase.
Irvin had the chance to speak with hordes of ‘Canes supporters at this weekend’s AT&T Meet and Greet at Playoff Fan Central, a three-day event held at the Miami Beach Convention Center which featured performances by both teams’ pep bands, guest appearances by current and former college football stars and various other games and exhibits.
Irvin said the experience was his opportunity to “give back” to the loyal Miami fanbase. Now comes tonight’s matchup with undefeated No. 1 Indiana, The U’s first national title game appearance in 23 years.
“Last year, they kept us out [of the playoff[. Who knows what could have happened?” Irvin said to Men’s Journal. “This is the first year they put us in, and the results are there.”
Mike’s message to the current ‘Canes
Irvin’s motivational speeches have become legendary over the years. If he had the chance to speak with this year’s Miami team before tonight’s game, the 59-year-old “Playmaker” knows what he would say.
“When I sit in front of the team, and they ask me to share, what I’m sharing is my history,” Irvin explained. “Because I’m an old man, and all I can do is share is my history. But I tell these kids, these young men, right now, right here, you’re about to write your history. Write well, so you can reminisce well. That means win, so you can have this to talk about later.”
Break out the belt?
If Miami does win, all eyes will be on Irvin to see what he does with his belt. If Irvin has any special celebration planned, he’s not saying it.
“You let the game dictate. I’m not trying to dictate the game. The game dictates the moment, so I’m just looking forward to it,” he said.
Irvin gets the ‘SNL’ treatment
Over the weekend, Saturday Night Livesatirized Irvin in its “Weekly Update” segment, with cast member Kam Patterson playing the former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver.
Irvin says when he woke up Sunday, his phone was blowing up with people asking if he’d seen the skit.
“There’s something they used to always say, ‘Imitation is the greatest form of flattery,’” Irvin said. “Sometimes, you’ve got to wonder about that, but that’s okay. What it means is, everybody right now in this country is talking about Miami, and that’s what we want.”
‘The White House’ set for its debut
Monday is important for Irvin not just because his beloved Hurricanes are playing for a championship. Irvin’s new Netflix video podcast, “The White House,” will debut today.
Co-hosted by former NFL wideout Brandon Marshall, “The White House” will produce two episodes weekly. While the podcast shares its name from the infamous Cowboys party house of the 1990s, Irvin says there is more to the story.
“In church three weeks ago, when we came up with the name, the sermon was talking about most people in life live with the fear of yesterday instead of the promise of tomorrow,” Irvin said. “That means whatever happens, you take it and make it good. What the devil meant for evil, you meant for good. So even naming the podcast “The White House,” the White House is the top house of all houses. We have so many podcast houses out there, so it meant perfect sense to name it “The White House.” Politics pulls people apart, sports brings people together. By comingling the two, I can do some great things.”
Does Miami’s resurgence give Irvin hope that the Cowboys, who haven’t won a Super Bowl in 30 years, might be next?
“I certainly hope the Cowboys are next. We need to be,” he said.
