“I graduated after my junior year in college. I left and went to the draft after my junior. And then I also controlled the draft.” That’s how Michael Irvin opened the vault on one of the boldest draft-day power plays the NFL has ever seen. And you must pause and pay attention when Irvin claims to have had control over the draft. Because what came next wasn’t just a story — it was a revelation. A power move. A rejection so bold, it flipped the script on one franchise and quietly aligned him with another. Not because of money. Not because of ego. But because he already had the inside track on what was about to go down in Dallas.

Irvin’s appearance on the Fanatics View Podcast with Jesse Holley turned into a fireworks show of stories, truths, and threats — past, present, and future colliding like it was a Cowboys-themed Marvel crossover. And for that, let’s roll it back to 1988 — to a moment when Irvin didn’t just enter the NFL. He controlled it.

It was a hard lesson for Green Bay to learn. With the No. 7 overall pick in hand, the Packers called Irvin in the hopes of securing a future Hall of Famer. What did Irvin say, though? The words weren’t coated in politeness or PR lingo. “No. No. No way, Green Bay.  I already knew, I swear I knew I was going to play in Dallas. And that I wanted to play in Dallas,” he admitted. And he wasn’t by himself in this. Irvin’s entire family — who by his own words were “the brokest people in the world” — started chanting in unison like it was a protest-turned-victory rally: “No way Green Bay! No way!”

Why the rebellious behaviour? Because the script was already in Irvin’s possession. His Miami college coach, Jimmy Johnson, had already informed him that Jerry Jones was set to purchase the Dallas Cowboys. “Jimmy had already told me you know that Jerry was going to buy the team. So I knew what was going to happen here a year before.” Jimmy would be the head coach. Irvin would be the face of the franchise. The trio was already forming before the ink was dry on the ownership papers. So when Green Bay called, Irvin didn’t see opportunity — he saw a detour from destiny.

The Packers changed course and selected Sterling Sharpe, who was undoubtedly great. Irvin, though? He became the spirit of the Cowboys. A gold jacket, three Super Bowls, and a legacy so loud that it still reverberates around AT&T Stadium. Rejecting Green Bay and waiting for Dallas was a single choice that influenced more than simply Irvin’s destiny. It changed the history of the NFL.

From the minute Irvin strode onto the field in silver and blue, the Cowboys had their spark. Irvin was more than simply a receiver; he was the spark plug of the locker room, the emotional motor, and the man who would block, yell, and bleed for every yard. His five Pro Bowl selections, more than 11,000 receiving yards, and innumerable clutch plays fueled the dynasty run of the ’90s. Irvin didn’t just play in Dallas — he defined Dallas. As Emmitt Smith said, “Michael Irvin was the most competitive individual I have ever played with. He was the heart and soul of our team. From a physical standpoint, there is no one who could match his talent and skill. His work ethic, charisma, and drive were what carried us to our three Super Bowl titles.”​

So, that moment in 1988? Defined a career. But Irvin’s impact didn’t retire with his cleats — it just grew louder. Now, decades later, the same man who once pulled the Packers out of a dynasty is focusing his attention on a different type of decision-making in Dallas.

Michael Irvin fires off blistering $60M warning to Dak Prescott over new QB threat

Now, as we move forward in time, Michael Irvin continues to shake things up. Only now, he’s not dodging draft calls — he’s sending warnings to the very player wearing his beloved Cowboys’ star: Dak Prescott.

First, let’s address the elephant-sized sum of $60 million in the room. Dak, the highest-paid quarterback in the league, will make that much in 2025. However, a hefty salary in Dallas comes with pressure that no sports psychologist can fix. And the heat just turned up another level with the arrival of rookie QB Joe Milton III. The Cowboys pulled off a sneaky trade with the Patriots to bring in the strong-armed sixth-rounder, and the moment that happened? Irvin dropped the hammer.

“Don’t give this kid a chance, Dak. Don’t give him a chance,” Irvin warned on his YouTube channel. “You better stay healthy, stay ready, stay on the football field. Now remember, you’re making $60 million a year. This kid is making only $1 million. If you give him a chance to get on that field… it’s going to be ugly.” That wasn’t advice. That was a warning wrapped in prophecy.

And Irvin isn’t the only one sending the signals. LeSean McCoy, a two-time Super Bowl champion, has already advised Dak: “If Dak Prescott has a postseason like he’s always had going into that next year, right? Dak, find a realtor,” implying that the writing might be on the wall if Milton shines. Because while Milton only costs the team $1 million, the upside is intoxicating. He’s young, motivated, and showed some potential with New England late in the season. Now that he has the tools, he has the opportunity. All he needs is an opening — and Irvin is practically daring Dak not to give it to him.

This isn’t a normal QB controversy. This is Dallas. And the moment Prescott gets hurt, underperforms, or so much as hesitates? The murmurs begin. The whispers grow. And if Milton looks even slightly electric? Game over. Not today. But soon. And the same man who once manipulated the draft to engineer his Cowboys’ destiny is now issuing public smoke signals about its future.

Because in Dallas, there’s no time for grace. You’re either producing or being replaced. And if Michael Irvin is right, all it takes is one stumble — and it’s ugly from there. So yeah, Irvin once said, “No way Green Bay.” Now he’s saying, “No excuses, Dak.” And just like that — history’s echo becomes tomorrow’s headline.