Back in the 1990s in Dallas, Jimmy Johnson was never one to make exceptions, even for his star players. During his time with the Dallas Cowboys, the former head coach once left HOF wide receiver Michael Irvin behind after he showed up late at the airport. What came next was a punishment that kept him out of the starting lineup against the Detroit Lions.
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Speaking at the Hard Rock Bet, Johnson said, “He(Michael Irvin) said, ‘ Coach, I’m sorry.’ I said, I know you’re sorry. He said, ‘Well, what’s going to happen now?’ I said, ‘You’re going to be punished. You’re not going to start tomorrow.’ So we line up against Detroit the next day.”
“Michael’s on the sideline, wanting to get on the field. So we go three and out. My offensive coordinator, Norv Turner, called down. He said, ‘You think we punished him enough?’ I said, Michael, ‘You’re in the next series.'”
Recalling the incident, Johnson shared that the Cowboys were all ready to fly to Detroit, where they had a matchup against the Detroit Lions on November 8, 1992. He had a strict rule that players must arrive early. With roughly five minutes left before takeoff, Johnson ordered the doors closed. Troy Aikman informed that Irvin was missing, but Johnson deliberately refused to wait.
“And Troy Aikman came running up to the front of the plane, said, ‘Coach, coach, Michael’s not here.’ And I said, ‘I don’t care, close the door,'” added Johnson.
Irvin was spotted outside the plane, waving at the team to hold on. Johnson looked through the window, noticing him on the tarmac, but still ordered the plane to leave. Irvin had to arrange his own transportation to Detroit and pay for his flight. He also got a fine of $1,000 for missing the team flight.
Irvin reached Detroit and joined Johnson and the team during the team’s film session that night. The receiver apologized. He knew he had disappointed his coach. Despite the disciplinary action, Irvin’s performance on the field was difficult to overlook.
Under Johnson, the Cowboys beat the Lions 37-3, leading their record to 8-1. Emmitt Smith recorded three rushing touchdowns, while Aikman threw for 214 yards and a touchdown. Irvin recorded five receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown, including a 57-yard catch that helped the Cowboys extend their lead in the second half.
The incident showed the kind of responsibility Johnson expected from his players during Dallas’ championship run. Irvin was part of the team that won Super Bowl XXVII that season, but his superstar status did not shield him from the coach’s punishment.