Irvin Returns To Cowboys

Michael Irvin stood on the painted Dallas Cowboys helmet in the back of the Texas Stadium end zone, dropped to one knee and prayed. Finally, he was back.

That very public moment as Irvin entered the field for warmups was only a prelude to the pregame introductions, which would quickly show whether the fans were behind him or not.

As it turned out, they were. More than half of the early arriving crowd cheered Irvin’s entrance. He made it seem like old times by running between his teammates, pumping his right arm and smiling.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned about how I’d be received by the crowd,” Irvin said Sunday after catching five of 10 passes thrown his way for 51 yards in Dallas’ 17-3 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. “It was warm, and I do appreciate that.”

Irvin’s return was not greeted warmly by all. Some in the crowd made their boos heard at least, by everyone but Irvin, who insisted he didn’t notice.

Irvin’s teammates were the happiest to have him back, especially because the lack of a top receiving threat was their biggest weakness as they went 2-3 during his five-game suspension.

“It was such a thrill to look across the huddle and see him,” Deion Sanders said. “It was a blessing to have him back.”