Top 30 NFL players of the 1990

Top 30 NFL players of the 1990s

DENVER, UNITED STATES: Denver Brocos running back Terrell Davis (30) makes a 12 yard carry late in the second quarter during game action 24 September, 2000 at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. AFP PHOTO/ MARK LEFFINGWELL (Photo credit should read MARK LEFFINGWELL/AFP via Getty Images) /

3 of 30

PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 4: Dallas Cowboys wide-receiver Michael Irvin (2nd L) celebrates his first touchdown of the game with teammate Alvin Harper as Philadelphia Eagles Bill Romanowski (R) and Michael Zordich look on during the first quarter at Veterans Stadium 04 December. (COLOR KEY Eagles uniforms are green) (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) /

28. Michael Irvin

Irivin is the first of a trio of Cowboys to make this list, and don’t worry, we’ll get to the other two later on. Irvin was by far the best receiver on the Cowboys roster, and Troy Aikman’s safety valve throughout the decade.

In 1991, he earned both Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors for the first time in his career. Irivn led the NFL with 1,523 yards on 93 catches and eight touchdowns. He would make the Pro Bowl the following four seasons, as well. In 1995, Irivin had a career-high 111 catches, as well as his career-high in yards with 1,603. He also caught 10 touchdowns, which were also the most of his career in the season in which Dallas won their last Super Bowl to date.

Emmitt Smith rightfully got a lot of credit for Dallas’ offensive triumphs, but Irvin was one of the best receivers of his generation. Together, Irivn, Smith, and Troy Aikman made up one of the best offensive trios in NFL history. The former No. 11 overall pick finished his career with five Pro Bowl selections and three Super Bowl rings. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007, and is a member of the 1990s All-Decade team.

Home/NFL