The Miami Hurricanes have produced some of the most legendary players in the NFL. Last year, it made history once again, with Cam Ward going from a zero-star prospect to the No. 1 pick in the draft. It’s been a long time since the program published season records that commanded attention. But when it comes to draft prospects, Miami has produced some gems of players. Mario Cristobal is racking up praise for the way he has sent a series of first-round draft picks over the years. Not only that, but the Hurricane football seems rejuvenated under him. He finds an avid supporter in one of the greatest receivers of all time, Michael Irvin.

One of the most iconic plays in Miami’s history came by way of Irvin. The glorious campaign of the 1987 team to the Natty saw an impending end as the night progressed in the game against Florida State. Right in the nick of time, in the fourth quarter, Irvin took a pass from Steve Walsh and scored a mighty 73-yard touchdown. He was drafted in the first round by the Cowboys. Veteran GM Tex Schramm said that Irvin was picked for the purpose of pushing the franchise’s “return to the living.” Not only is he one of Miami’s greatest. But Irvin was part of the legendary ‘Triplets’ group, along with QB Troy Aikman and RB Emmitt Smith. So when a man of such stature has nothing but love and praise for Mario Cristobal, it’s got to hold some truth to it.

The icon paid a visit to Coral Gables as part of the Legends Camp, an initiative that allows young players and recruits to gain exposure from former legends. Irvin was not just a guest—he donned the Miami green and was an active presence in the field. In a June 8 video on CaneSport Miami Football, the WR said, “[You] should step on this field, feeling so great about the direction. You feel this now. You know it’s power. We just got the number one pick in the draft in Cam Ward. Threw up a ‘U’ sign, sending a message to everybody that we are here, we are back, and we got the right guy on the job.”

That praise holds a lot of value. Cristobal has produced first-round draft picks for a series of years now. And with guys like Carson Beck and Francis Mauigoa, he’s going to see that trend continue.

Irvin shares a great friendship with Cristobal, and even calls him just ‘Coach.’ “He said, ‘Mike, I need you.’ I said, ‘Coach, I’m coming…’ So, yeah, man, that’s my guy. I love him. I’m so happy we got Coach,” he later said. Bringing in veterans like Irvin is more than just a genius move for recruitment.

The WR lives and breathes Miami football and continues to be passionate about the program’s growth. He knows he can set an example for these young minds, who are all at such an important stage in their lives. He said some quick words that he hopes will drive the deal home for these young recruits.

Michael Irvin sends a powerful message to young players

Cristobal is no Deion Sanders. Coach Prime, with his presence and friendships in Hollywood, could get Denzel Washington to give advice to young football players. The Miami HC, however, pulled off a feat that is just as remarkable as Sanders. Irvin is easily one of the best Miami players to have ever graced the NFL. The impact he brought to the game continues to be remembered fondly even today. So, Cristobal knew that when the elite WR would speak, these young boys would listen.

He spoke about the productive camp on his Instagram story. “Alright, we just broke camp, y’all. I’m going to put in that work, by trying to make sure these young brothers, these young boys, understand what it takes to come and play right here at The U. It’s Legend Camps. And I’m gonna tell you something—Young men want to become grown men. And we want them to become grown dogs, and get up on that board over there. So we’re gonna give them all what they need. You understand what I’m saying?” he said. In that short video, Irvin was able to simplify the crux of college football.

It’s been some time since Miami has gone back to the ways of its glory days. But football, under Mario Cristobal, is turning over a new leaf. With Michael Irvin’s constant support and words of wisdom, let’s hope these young men can take their and the coaches’ efforts to new heights.