Before becoming one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, Hall of Famer Michael Irvin revealed how a bold remark from then-Miami Hurricanes head coach Jimmy Johnson changed everything, fueling the mindset that launched his rise to stardom.

During an episode of the Champion Mindset with Daniel Cormier podcast on July 14, the Hall of Famer spoke about how Johnson’s six-word remark made him train with motivation for the college football season that year at the University of Miami.

"I was upstairs watching film, because we [Miami] were trying to figure out who was going to be the starting receivers," Irvin said during the Champion Mindset with Daniel Cormier podcast. "Jimmy walked by and looked in the room. He said, 'Michael, that's you.' I said, 'Yeah, coach.' He said, 'Hey - the whole world's wondering what Miami's going to do at wide receiver this year.' He said, 'Wait till I show 'em, Michael Irvin.'"

Irvin said during the podcast that the single, direct vote of confidence from Johnson became the turning point that fueled his motivation. He credited it with immediately pushing him into an obsessive training routine and helping Miami capture the 1987 National Championship.

“He was so great at that, telling you that one thing you needed to hear to bring the best out of you," Irvin said on the Champion Mindset with Daniel Cormier podcast. "It's one thing to know you have a great skill, but to be great, it's not just about skill - it's also about your will...And Jimmy was great at making sure you deepen your will."

Irvin finished his NFL career with a total of 750 receptions for 11,904 receiving yards and 65 touchdowns across 12 years with the Cowboys, leading them to four consecutive appearances in NFC Championship games from 1992 to 1995.

Under Johnson's coaching, the Cowboys won two consecutive Super Bowls: XXVII (1992) and XXVIII (1993), with former quarterback Troy Aikman, former running back Emmitt Smith, and Irvin transforming the franchise into one of the dominant dynasties in the NFL.

"Football families win championships": Michael Irvin explains Cowboys' dynasty

During the same episode of the Champion Mindset with Daniel Cormier podcast, Irvin said the Cowboys' success in the 1990s was built on a family-like bond that extended beyond football.

"I always say, if you're going to do something great, you got to get past teammates, get deeper than teammates - football families win championships, not football teams or organizations," Irvin said in the podcast. "Because if you're going to go through it, it's peaks and valleys...if you're a family, you'll come out of that stronger."

Irvin believes that the family-first mentality became the foundation of the Cowboys' dynasty, strengthening the bond that carried the franchise through their most successful years.

What’s your favorite Jimmy Johnson story or Cowboys dynasty memory? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore