Michael Irvin DepartsNFL NetworkAfter 15 Years Amid Controversy

Michael Irvin, a Dallas Cowboys legend and NFL Hall of Famer, is no longer with the NFL Network after a 15-year tenure as an analyst. The decision not to renew Irvin's contract comes amid cost-cutting measures at the network, including the cancellation of their signature show "NFL Total Access," which had been on air since 2003.

Irvin, 58, had been a mainstay on NFL Network's airwaves since joining in 2009, contributing to gameday coverage and becoming one of the network's most popular analysts. He won three Super Bowl championships with the Cowboys during the 1990s and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

However, Irvin's departure is not solely due to budget cuts. In February 2023, he was accused of sexual misconduct by a Marriott Hotel employee in the run-up to Super Bowl LVII. Irvin was pulled from theNFL Network'sSuper Bowl coverage after the accusation and later filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Marriott, which was settled in September for an undisclosed amount.

Surveillance footage of the interaction showed Irvin touching the employee's elbow twice and slapping himself in the face three times, but provided no audio. Marriott claimed that a "visibly intoxicated" Irvin made the employee "visibly uncomfortable" and asked her a sexually explicit question. However, Irvin and his lawyers disputed this account, stating that the conversation was never inappropriate.

Despite the settlement and Irvin's reinstatement for the 2023 season, theNFL Networkhas decided to part ways with the longtimeanalyst. His departure coincides with a wave of layoffs at the network, which has also seen the release of several other high-profile employees, including Andrew Siciliano, Melissa Stark, Will Selva, and James Palmer.

Irvin's fans have taken to social media to express their support for the former Cowboys star, with one tweet reading, "SET UP THE MICS FOR THE MICHAEL IRVIN PODCAST IMMEDIATELY. TONIGHT, EVEN." The tweet, posted by user @notPRINCEY, reflects the sentiment of many who believe Irvin's voice and analysis will be missed on the NFL Network.

As theNFL Networkundergoes significant changes, including the move of its "NFL Insiders" show to replace "NFL Total Access," the impact of Irvin's departure will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike. The three-time Super Bowl champion leaves behind a legacy as one of thenetwork'smost recognizable and influential personalities, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt as the NFL moves into a new era of media coverage.

Key Takeaways

• Michael Irvin's 15-year tenure as NFL Network analyst ends amid cost-cutting measures.
• Irvin's departure follows sexual misconduct allegations and a settled defamation lawsuit.
• NFL Network cancels "NFL Total Access" and undergoes significant changes.
• Irvin's fans express support on social media, calling for a podcast or new platform.
• Irvin leaves behind a legacy as a recognizable and influential NFL Network personality.