At a Glance
- Michael Irvin says he hasn’t used cocaine for 20 years.
- He was seen energizing the sidelines during Miami’s 2025 championship run.
- His comments came on the White House podcast after the team’s loss to Indiana.
Why it matters: The former Cowboys star’s denial clears up rumors that his exuberance was drug-assisted, preserving his reputation.
The former Dallas Cowboys star Michael Irvin has taken the microphone to set the record straight about rumors that his high-energy sideline antics during the University of Miami’s 2025 national championship run were fueled by cocaine. In a recent episode of the White House podcast, the 59-year-old said he has not partaken in the drug for 20 years, and that his boundless enthusiasm was simply his passion for the game.
The Road to the Title
During the College Football Playoff, Miami entered as the 10th seed and faced a series of tough opponents. The Hurricanes’ path to the championship game was:
| Opponent | Result | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M (No. 7) | Win | College Station |
| Ohio State (No. 2) | Win | Arlington |
| Ole Miss (No. 6) | Win | New Orleans |
These victories earned Miami a spot in the title game against Indiana, where the Hurricanes fell 27-21 on Jan. 19.
Irvin’s Sideline Show
Irvin’s presence on the sidelines was unmistakable. He:
- Ran animatedly around the field.
- Crouched on all fours to celebrate.
- Removed his belt in a tribute to the school’s success.
- Kissed head coach Mario Cristobal, much to the latter’s apparent chagrin.
During the White House podcast on Jan. 22, Irvin described how fans would shout, “You all on coke!” after each game. He replied, “Wait a minute, y’all. First of all, y’all know damn well coke don’t last five hours.” This remark was meant to illustrate that his energy was not drug-based.
Podcast Statements
In the same episode, Irvin joked with co-host former NFL star Brandon Marshall and retired-NBA forward Michael Beasley:
> “I hadn’t partaken in 20 years, but if you got some five-hour stuff, let me know,” he said, drawing hysterical laughter.
He added, “That’s just what I’m saying, like stop it. Stop saying this stuff.”
When asked about the hype, Irvin said:
> “Whenever you sitting your a- at home high, you want to think everybody else is high. Because your a- is high! I understand that, but the reality is everybody ain’t high.”
The Aftermath of the Loss
Following the loss to Indiana, Irvin was candid about his emotions. Speaking to Cam’ron on the It Is What It Is podcast, he admitted he was depressed:
> “I was depressed after the game, I’m not gonna lie,” he said.
He explained that he declined invitations to party, telling friends, “I ain’t going nowhere.”
When Indiana fans approached him for a photo, he responded, “Hell nah, I ain’t taking a picture with y’all.”
Clearing the Air
Irvin’s remarks aim to dispel the narrative that his sideline enthusiasm was drug-assisted. By emphasizing his two-decade abstinence and the fact that cocaine does not provide the sustained energy he displayed, he seeks to protect his legacy as a passionate supporter of his alma mater.
Key Takeaways
- Michael Irvin denies using cocaine during the Hurricanes’ playoff run.
- He has not partaken in the drug for 20 years.
- His energetic sideline antics were part of his love for the game, not drug influence.
- The Hurricanes lost to Indiana 27-21 on Jan. 19.
- Irvin’s comments were made on the White House podcast on Jan. 22.
Irvin’s statements are a clear attempt to set the record straight and preserve his reputation as a dedicated fan and former NFL star.
