In a dark nightclub, Michael Irvin stands in a corner with a microphone talking about the worst day of his playing career.Irvin, the Hall of Fame wide receiver from the Cowboys, whose off the field troubles make for a 500-page book, speaks from the heart. He talks about his children and the inability to play with them.
The day was Oct. 10, 1999 at old Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia.
Irvin was laying down on the beat-up turf, and he couldn't move because of a spine injury. His career would be over, but his paralysis was only temporary. Irvin says he thanks God every day for his ability to get up after such a routine hit nearly sent him down for good.
Last Thursday night in Dallas, Irvin -- along with Spike TV -- was premiering a new reality show called 4th and Long. The program is about 12 players, six defensive backs and six wide receivers, who are trying out to become the 80th man on the Cowboys' training-camp roster.
Irvin is the host and is getting help from former Cowboys special teams coach Joe Avezzano and former special teams ace Bill Bates to get these players ready.
But it is Irvin taking a timeout from this new show to talk about something important.
On May 2, Rich Behm, an assistant scout with the Cowboys, was permanently paralyzed from the waist down when he was hit by debris inside the team's practice facility, which collapsed as the result of a severe storm. Soon after, the Cowboys set up a trust fund to help the Behm family.
Irvin stepped up as well. He called Behm a member of his family, and through his own foundation, donated $40,000 to the cause.
"I know the fear and the concerns that rushed in my mind that I would never walk again," Irvin said, recalling that day in Philly and comparing it to when Behm was hurt. "What about my kids? Will I be able to play with my kids again? I'm not a tough guy, but I've never been more afraid in all my life."
Current Cowboys Jason Witten, Courtney Brown and DeMarcus Ware, offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, coach Wade Phillips and, of course, owner Jerry Jones showed up at this event for Irvin, but also mainly to support Behm. This premiere was supposed to be a week earlier, but Irvin decided to move it back a week so he could turn it into a fundraiser for Behm and his family.
"The Dallas Cowboys care and are in Rich's corner," said Cowboys linebacker Greg Ellis, who also attended the event and spoke to a crowd of about 70 people that Thursday night.
Irvin didn't cry when presenting the check to Behm -- many who know him will tell you he's an emotional person -- but he wanted to make the Behm family know they are not alone.
"We have a long way ahead," said Rich's wife, Michelle. "But with all the prayers and support we'll get through this."
Sometimes sports can help heal a city or distract it from its woes. And other times it reminds us that it's a small fraternity that bands together for a cause that's important. This event to aid Behm was important.
Irvin's reality show, however, could be something special. It has hard hits, loud talk, guys throwing up on the field and in trash cans, and special guests such as former Cowboys great Drew Pearson, among others, speak to the 12 players who are competing for a roster spot.
The show has stopped taping already and debuted Monday night. The Cowboys know who the 80th man will be on the roster but are not telling who it is.
It's an interesting way to come with the 80th man on the roster.
If you think about some of the key players on the Cowboys roster today, some of them were the 80th man at one time or another. Tony Romo, the quarterback, was an undrafted free agent who chose less money to sign with Dallas over Denver in 2003. There's Jay Ratliff, the starting nose tackle, who went to his first Pro Bowl last year. He was a seventh-round pick in 2005.
It's interesting where you find players. That's why scouts are so invaluable to NFL teams. They go everywhere to find talent.
The Cowboys went to The Playmaker to find talent.
Avezzano said the show is going to do right by the Cowboys and not embarrass them.
Irvin didn't embarrass himself or the team by taking care of Behm.
