What is Michael Irvin's net worth? Exploring former Dallas Cowboys WR's NFL career earnings

Dallas Cowboys Hall of Famer Michael Irvin has an estimated net worth of $12 million. Irvin earned his net worth thanks to a remarkable 12-year NFL career. He wasn't just your average NFL wide receiver, though. He was an enigma and a vibe cut from the same cloth as legends like Ocho Cinco, Deion Sanders, Shannon Sharpe, and Ray Lewis.

After retiring from the NFL, Irvin pivoted into a broadcasting career as an analyst covering the sport he loved. Irvin has since worked for ESPN, FOX, and the NFL Network. He has appeared alongside broadcasting titans like Stephen A. Smith, Skip Bayless, and Shannon Sharpe.

Irvin has appeared on a few reality TV shows outside of these roles, such as Dancing with the Stars.

The Dallas Cowboys drafted Michael Irvin with the 11th pick in the first round of the 1988 NFL draft. Upon being drafted by the Cowboys, he was signed to a four-year contract worth $1.875 million, complete with a $750,000 signing bonus.

After signing with the Cowboys, Irvin imposed his might on NFL defenses, helping turn the Cowboys' fortunes around. Before the expiration of his first NFL contract, Irvin became an All-Pro selection and a Pro Bowler.

Following the conclusion of his first contract in the league, he re-signed with the Cowboys in 1992 with a 3-year, $3.75 million contract. Irvin signed this contract while he was at the peak of his powers and was a Pro Bowler every single year of the contract period. He also helped the Cowboys to a stellar haul of three Super Bowl wins in four years. He made Jerry Jones' Cowboys a dynasty in the process.

Michael Irvin's last contract with the Cowboys was signed in 1995. It was a 5-year, $12.3 million, which was massive at that time. This contract made Irvin one of the best-paid wide receivers in the NFL for the first time in his illustrious career.

Unfortunately, his career slowly fizzled out, and he was made to retire in 1999 after an injury-riddled final year with the Cowboys. Michael Irvin earned 17,625,000 as an NFL player.

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Why was Michael Irvin nicknamed "The Playmaker"?

"The Playmaker" nickname stuck with Irvin throughout his NFL playing career and even transitioned to his broadcasting career. Michael Irvin is called "The Playmaker" because of his penchant for making big plays in big games during his college and pro careers.

He is regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers to step foot on the Gridiron, and he has a golden bust in Canton to prove it.