Jarrett Irons facts for kids

Jarrett Irons is a former American football player. He grew up in The Woodlands, Texas. Jarrett played college football as a linebacker for the University of Michigan from 1993 to 1996.

He was a team co-captain for the Michigan teams in 1995 and 1996. He was also chosen for the All-Big Ten Conference team in both of those years. In his final year, he was named a top linebacker on the 1996 College Football All-America Team. When he finished college, Jarrett Irons held the record for the most tackles in Michigan's history.

Playing for Michigan University

Jarrett Irons was one of the few players to be named a team captain as a junior at Michigan. In 1996, he was named an All-American by the Associated Press and the American Football Coaches Association. He ended his college career with 453 tackles, which was the second-highest number in Michigan's history at that time.

Jarrett led his team in tackles during his first year and again as a junior. He was the second Michigan player ever to lead the team in tackles as a freshman. As a senior, he was second in tackles to Sam Sword. In 1995, he was co-captain with Joe Marinaro. In 1996, he was co-captain with Rod Payne. The Michigan defense in 1995 was one of the best in the nation at stopping running plays. Jarrett wore jersey number 37 for the Wolverines.

Big Plays and Records

Jarrett Irons had a career-high 16 tackles three times. One of these times was during the famous "Miracle at Michigan" game against Colorado in 1994. In that game, he forced a fumble by the opposing quarterback, Kordell Stewart. This play helped Michigan stop Colorado near their goal line. He also had 16 tackles against the Wisconsin Badgers in 1993 and against the Ohio State Buckeyes in 1996.

Jarrett was also part of what many call the best goal-line stand in Michigan Football history. This happened in 1993 against the Penn State Nittany Lions. Penn State was ranked number seven and trying to score from Michigan's one-yard line. After three tries, Jarrett Irons stopped their running back, Ki-Jana Carter, on the fourth try. This amazing stop helped Michigan win the game 21–13. Jarrett made 15 tackles in that game.

Jarrett Irons's 296 career tackles are still the most in Michigan history. He won The Roger Zatkoff Award in both 1995 and 1996. This award is given to the team's best linebacker.

After College Football

Jarrett Irons earned his college degree in sports management and communication. He then started studying for his master's degree. After college, he tried out for the Arizona Cardinals professional football team. However, he was cut from the team during training camp. He then went back to Ann Arbor, Michigan to finish his studies.

Family Connections

Jarrett Irons comes from a family of football players. His older brother is Grant Irons, and his father is Gerald Irons. Both of them played in the National Football League. His other older brother, Gerald Jr., played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Jarrett also has younger cousins who played professional football: David Irons and Kenny Irons. Another cousin, Paul Irons, also played in the NFL.