Michael Irvin Turns Spotlight on Himself After Nate Newton Receives Pardon

Michael Irvin reflected on the misdeeds he committed off the field when he was a Cowboy in the NFL after President Trump pardoned one of his former teammates.

Michael Irvin Turns Spotlight on Himself After Nate Newton Receives Pardon

Michael Irvin (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Michael Irvin reflected on his past after Nate Newton received a pardon from President Trump.
  • Irvin questioned whether he needed a pardon for his own legal troubles, including drug charges.
  • Despite controversies, Irvin remains a beloved figure in football and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

Recently, the Dallas Cowboys’ legendary wide receiver Michael Irvin took a moment to reflect on his troubled life off the gridiron in light of Donald Trump pardoning his former teammate, Nate Newton. The former guard spent 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to a federal drug trafficking charge in 2002.

On February 13th, Newton received a pardon from President Trump along with a few others, compelling Irvin to reflect on his past mistakes. In the latest video on his YouTube channel, Irvin reacted to the news.

I also wonder, do I need any pardons, do I? Look, I didn’t do any time. I may have to look into that.

Micahel Irvin declared

Irvin is considered one of the best players to ever wear the famous star on their helmet. He won three Super Bowls in his prime and shared the football field with legends such as Deion Sanders, Troy Aikman, and Emmitt Smith.

That said, he was also a known troublemaker outside the confines of football. Despite his status as a star wideout of the Cowboys, Irvin was caught red-handed by the police with marijuana and cocaine at a Residence Inn in Irving. Well, he wasn’t alone. Irvin, along with his accomplice Alfredo Roberts (a former Cowboy) and two other women with questionable backgrounds, ended up in custody.

The case went to trial, and the judge handed the decision-making duties to the jury. Irvin accepted his involvement by pleading guilty. He was charged with a second-degree felony. Additionally, Irvin was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and 800 hours of community service, instead of serving time in a federal prison like Newton.

That wasn’t the only time Irvin had a run-in with the law. In 2023, the 59-year-old found himself amidst a raging lawsuit by Marriott for misconduct. This time, however, Irvin took a stand and sued the hospitality juggernaut for $100 million.

Regardless of his shenanigans, Irvin is well-liked, not just in Dallas but in other states as well. During college football season, Irvin often drops by Hard Rock Stadium to cheer for his alma mater, the University of Miami football team. In 2025, the Hurricanes, or just the Canes, reached the CFP final, where they lost to Indiana.

Michael Irvin receives the ultimate praise from Jerry Jones

Irvin made his Cowboys debut in 1988. A year later, he witnessed a new face sit in the owner’s chair after HR Bright sold the team to Jerry Jones. Irvin and the rest of the Cowboys profited from the handover.

Michael Irvin Turns Spotlight on Himself After Nate Newton Receives Pardon
Jerry Jones and Michael Irvin (Image via IMAGO)

Aside from winning three rings, the Cowboys reached several NFC Championship games until the day Irvin retired from football. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007. Ten years later, Jones followed him to Canton. In a recent interview, Jones credited Irvin as the main reason behind his achievement.

I have a gold jacket. I wouldn’t have the gold jacket had Michael Irvin not played for the Cowboys...

Jerry Jones told TMZ

It sounds like it’s less about Jones’ contributions to the club and more about his attitude toward football.

To be involved and be around the winning mentality or that winning physicality—when Michael says it, I listen.

Irvin played 12 seasons for the Cowboys. He appeared in 159 games, racked up 750 receptions, 11,904 yards, and 65 touchdowns. Irvin retired as three time All Pro and 5 time Pro Bowler.

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