Michael Irvin: “I'm Here as a Resource” for Randy Gregory

A lot has been made of Cowboys’ second round pick Randy Gregory’s need for a support system in Dallas, and already two Cowboys legends have made themselves available to Gregory as part of that system.

First there was Charles Haley, whose no. 94 jersey will be worn by Gregory and who will officially go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this fall. Now Michael Irvin, who is already in the Hall, has made clear that he wants to help Gregory. The two have already talked, and Irvin intends to build an ongoing relationship with the second round pick.

“I try to build relationships with all the guys and say I’m here as a resource,” Irvin said, per Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “You want to give them some help. I’m a firm believer that the game of football saves lives. It saved my life. There is no telling where these guys would end up.”

Irvin dealt with his share of so-called off-the-field issues during his playing career, and he believes that has helped him in serving as a mentor to younger players.

“Guys seem more comfortable talking to a guy who had situations himself,” Irvin said. “There is no indictment from me. I had my problems. Randy knows I’m saying it from the right place. The kid has been sincere.

“But imagine what it is going to be like when you are on top again. You can be an inspiration for millions of kids who made mistakes. They can say ‘Randy did it. I can too.’”