The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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where are they now? "I went back and watched that film. I've never seen holes that big. Now, Tim was a great running back. But those holes were huge. I've never seen anything like it." His favorite, though, was '96, a 13-9 slugfest in the Shoe. "There was so much excitement," he said. "It was so loud. You could stand next to your teammate and try to talk to them, and you couldn't hear anything, because it was so loud. "The Horseshoe is a great place to play. If you were to ask me, and I had my choice, I would love to play there every time. They're so loud, but if you shut them up, it's the best feeling. It's so quiet, when you start winning. I love that place. I have a lot of respect, and even though I hate Ohio State, I love playing there." The NFL wasn't meant to be, but getting cut from the Arizona Cardinals allowed Irons to return to Ann Arbor to finish his master's degree. Then it was off to Chicago and into the world of public relations and marketing, and eventually five years of working with corporate giant IMG and the likes of Derek Jeter, Tiger Woods and the Mannings of football fame. But eventually, Irons moved toward strengthening bodies, rather than images. He hasn't looked back. "We've done well," he said. "I have no complaints. It allows me to travel and go to bowl games, go see Michigan play all the time. I'm happy with it. And my wife's not complaining." ❑ The Jarrett Irons File Michigan Accomplishments: Two-time captain, 1995 and 1996 … Recorded the second-most tackles ever by a Michigan player, with 453 … Named an All-American by the Associated Press and the American Football Coaches Association in 1996 … Designated All-Big Ten his final two seasons … Led the Wolverines in tackles in 1993 and 1995, and finished a close second in 1994 and 1996 … Recorded 19 games of tackles in double digits, tied for second with Erick Anderson behind only all-time tackles leader Ron Simpkins (25) … Redshirted as a true freshman on the 1992 Big Ten and Rose Bowl champion squad. Michigan Memory: Irons' greatest memory is serving as a two-time U-M captain, and the greeting he still receives at Schembechler Hall. "It brings tears to my eyes when I think about Greg Mattison and Brady Hoke," Irons said. "Those guys are so dynamic," he continued. "They were there when I was there. They treat me the same way, no matter what. "There's no time, when I come in that building, that they don't show me love and give time. They make me stay. That's what Michigan is all about." Education: Irons earned his undergraduate degree in kinesiology in 1996, returning a year later to finish his master's in marketing and management. Family: Married his wife, Jazelle, on Oct. 20, 2012.