Gerald Irons facts for kids

Gerald D. Irons Sr. (born May 2, 1947 – died April 1, 2021) was an American professional football player. He played for ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Gerald was a talented linebacker, a player who stops the opposing team from gaining yards.

His family had many football players. His youngest son, Grant Irons, played for the Oakland Raiders. His oldest son, Gerald Jr., played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. His middle son, Jarrett Irons, was a captain for the Michigan Wolverines. Gerald also had nephews and great-nephews who played in the NFL, including David Irons, Kenny Irons, and Paul Irons. Many people consider Gerald among the 100 greatest Cleveland Browns players of all time.

Gerald's Education Journey

Gerald Irons earned his first degree in business from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. While in college, he was the captain of the football team. He was also the vice-president of the Student Government Association. He joined a group called the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In 1984, he was honored by being added to the UMES Football Hall of Fame.

While playing professional football for the Oakland Raiders, he continued his studies. He earned a master's degree in business administration from The University of Chicago. He completed this degree over six off-seasons.

Later, while playing for the Cleveland Browns, he attended Cleveland Marshall College of Law at night. The Cleveland, Ohio Jaycees group named him "Man of the Year" for his achievements.

Life After Football: Community and Business

After playing football for 10 years in the NFL, Gerald Irons retired. He moved his family to Texas. Five years later, a group from Osaka, Japan, chose him to represent the United States. He attended a conference for "Ten Outstanding Young Persons" in Osaka. During this trip, he met important people like the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Japan. The Mayor of Osaka gave him a special gold key to the city. Gerald was also fluent in Japanese.

Gerald was very involved in his local community. He served on the Conroe Independent School District (CISD) Board of Trustees for over 20 years. He even became the president of the board.

He was also a popular speaker who inspired many people. He was a community board member for Texas Children’s Hospital and Memorial Hermann Hospital. He also graduated from the Houston FBI Citizens Academy.

Professional Career in Business

After his football career, Gerald moved into the business world. He worked for 32 years with The Woodlands Development Company. This company is part of The Howard Hughes Corporation in The Woodlands, Texas. This area is a large, planned community.

As the Vice President of Business Development, Gerald helped many companies move to The Woodlands. He later became the Senior Vice President of Business Development.

Gerald's Personal Life

Gerald Irons was married to Myrna for 50 years. They raised three sons, all of whom graduated from high schools in the Conroe ISD. The Irons family was honored by the people of The Woodlands as "Original Hometown Heroes." This happened during The Woodlands' 25th-year celebration.

Gerald retired from the CISD School Board after 22 years of service. To honor him, a school was named after him: Gerald D. Irons, Sr. Junior High School. This school opened in August 2012 in The Woodlands, Texas. It serves as a feeder school for Oak Ridge High School.

Gerald was also an Elder and a founding member of Impact Church of The Woodlands.

Gerald's Passing

Gerald D. Irons, Sr. passed away on April 1, 2021. He had been battling Parkinson's Disease. He died in The Woodlands, Texas, surrounded by his family.