Say what you wish about Michael Irvin, but….
His Hall of Fame induction speech was the singles greatest induction speech or sports speech in any sport that I have ever heard. I have met Michael twice and have always like him personally but I have been turned off by his persona and franly many of his actions.
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There was not a dry eye anywhere whether it was in Canton, or those watching by TV. He was humble, contrite and he had such class and dignity that it was a speech that I will get a copy of to keep the rest of my life. I didn’t notice until he was done that I to had a face full of tears as he we was incredibly humble as he thanked God with sincerity and was so blunt honest with both those watching and most of all his wife and children.
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The Hall of Famer did not run from the controversy of his past by ignoring it. Incredibly he embraced it with brokenness of heart and spirit. I will make it my mission to get that DVD and watch it at least once every year. I will also call Michael today and tell him my personal thoughts.
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I can assure you that no matter how much you hate his persona and actions, it will be very difficult for anyone to not watch such an incredible speech and not be moved.
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Well-done Michael. I have always admired you athletic ability. I have never liked your persona and off field actions. After last night, I now have incredible respect for the man that you are and are becoming. My son loves and admires many great athletes and has met so many them. I have steered him from you on purpose. I have gone after athletes (including you) for off field crap that hinders the game and tarnishes the reputation of it.Â
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I have been in the stadium on many occasions to watch you play. I have never left an event that you played in and not thought what a great receiver that you are. I have also never walked away impressed with who you are. Last night you didn’t catch a pass at that stadium. Anyone who saw it when it was over didn’t even think about the Hall of Fame receiver. A man that was broken, humble and honest moved them at the end. You truly have been to the threshing floor and the master has been allowed to make you into the piece of clay of his choosing (you would have had to seen the speech to get that, sorry).Â
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I recommend to all of you that you find a way to watch the speech.
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