Michael Irvin, former Miami Hurricane wide receiver and NFL Hall of Fame player appears on the sidelines during the ACC game between the Stanford Cardinal and the Miami Hurricanes on September 4, 2026 at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, California.

Shortly after announcing a familiar face is returning to First Take, Stephen A. Smith shocked all and revealed another one.

ESPN's $105 million star revealed he will be joined by his former on-screen foe Skip Bayless every Friday on SiriusXM, and the last Friday of every month on First Take.

Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless attend the The Paley Center for Media 2014 Spring Benefit Dinner at 583 Park Avenue on May 28, 2014 in New York City.
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Smith revealed another personality is returning to First Take days after announcing Bayless was returningCredit: Getty

Just days later, he announced on his YouTube channel that Michael Irvin is also returning to the show.

"My man Skip Bayless is coming back to First Take. I got the bosses to sign off on that," Smith said.

"I'm very thankful that they supported me on that. My man Skip Bayless will be on First Take with yours truly.

"You know who else is coming back? Michael Irvin. The Playmaker, he’ll be back on Mondays for the football season."


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Bringing back Bayless and Irvin into the fold is a clear move by Smith to tap back into proven nostalgia and high-octane chemistry.

Smith's final comment left the door wide open for perhaps even more old personalities to make their way back to the show.

"I ain’t even bring into account the rest of the crew that I got coming with me.”

Michael Irvin returns to media after two-year hiatus

Irvin, nicknamed 'The Playmaker', enjoyed a highly successful 12-year career with the Dallas Cowboys, between 1988-99.

Irvin was a key element of 'America's Team', winning Jerry Jones three Super Bowl titles.

Michael Irvin attends Netflix's Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano at Intuit Dome on May 16, 2026 in Inglewood, California.
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Irvin will reunite with Smith on First Take every MondayCredit: Getty
Michael Irvin, wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball during the National Football Conference game against the Phoenix Cardinals on 8 December 1996 at the Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona, United States.
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Irvin accumulated 11,904 yards and 65 touchdowns across his Hall-of-Fame careerCredit: Getty

He would serve as a panelist on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown shortly after retiring, from 2003-07.

NFL Network ended Irvin's time with the network in May 2024 after 15 years.

His exit followed a 2023 incident at a Marriott hotel during Super Bowl week. A hotel employee accused Irvin of inappropriate conduct, which he denied.

The dispute later led to a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Marriott.

Irvin and Marriott reached a settlement in September 2023, although the terms were not made public.

Pairing Irvin's Mondays with Bayless's Friday drop-ins signals a dramatic pivot back to the loud, high-energy debates that built the brand's dominance in the first place.

Former head coach Jimmy Johnson (C) jokes around with former players Michael Irvin (L) and Emmitt Smith (R) during the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor ceremony at halftime in the game between the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 30, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.
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Irvin won three Super Bowls in his 12-year career under Jerry JonesCredit: Getty

While many point to Pat McAfee as the modern face of the network, Smith just reminded everyone just how much sway he has following the landmark $100million deal in March 2025.

While McAfee may carry the hopes around live coverage, it's is Smith - and his now returning former colleagues - who will carry the debate and hot take reactions into the 2026 season.

Join talkSPORT's dedicated US Sports YouTube channel every Tuesday and Thursday for our brand new NFL shows.

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