The benching of a star player, let alone two, for even the opening series of a game is a rare enough occurrence to raise eyebrows and elicit plenty of reactions when it does transpire.
Naturally, when it occurs on the national stage of Monday Night Football, the visibility of the move is exponentially increased.
And when it also happens to involve some of the biggest names on America’s Team, even franchise luminaries are bound to chime in.
Michael Irvin Reacts to the Benching of the Current No. 88 and Fellow Star Receiver
Even as a player, Cowboys legend Michael Irvin was never one to keep his opinions or feelings to himself.
Fast forward to the social media age, Irvin frequently uses his digital presence to express his views on a variety of matters involving the NFL and college football.
Given his still ardent passion for the only NFL team he played for, Irvin had a visceral digital reaction when he noticed that the Cowboys’ offense, which took the field for the opening series of the Monday Night Football matchup against the Raiders, was missing two of its most talented players.
According to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star Telegram, starting receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens were on the bench for the first series due to a coach’s decision.
It was a coach’s decision to have Cowboys WRs CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens miss the first series. It was not injury related. As it was communicated to me, “they missed some things.”
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) November 18, 2025
Naturally, this was a move bound to evoke a range of emotional responses across the spectrum.
Fans certainly have plenty to say, but Irvin, who forged a memorable playing career and was one of several prominent players to don Lamb’s current No. 88 jersey in his time, was as surprised as anyone watching.
Wow!!! NO 88 or 3👀👀👀
— Michael Irvin (@michaelirvin88) November 18, 2025
While Irvin didn’t offer his opinion on the matter for the time being — likely reserving judgment until he could garner more information as to the reasoning behind it — it may be a move The Playmaker ultimately supports if it’s in the interest of team discipline.
Few Players’ Competitive Fire Ran Hotter Than Irvin’s
Irvin’s on-field passion is the stuff of legends, dating back to his college days at the University of Miami. The win-at-all-costs reputation only grew during his 12-season tenure with the Cowboys, when he was an integral part of the team’s 1992, 1993, and 1995 Super Bowl championships.
For all his boisterousness, Irvin became renowned for practicing and playing as hard as an undrafted rookie trying to make the final roster, and for leveraging that mentality to overcome less-than-ideal speed for the NFL game.
Irvin was also known for demanding the same zeal for victory and attention to detail that he possessed from his teammates in his quest to ensure team success.
Therefore, if the Cowboys’ coaching staff’s decision to sit two of the team’s most prominent players for the opening series was a justified disciplinary measure meant to send a message to a 3-5-1 team, Irvin’s next public comments on the situation will likely be ones steeped in support.