Michael Irvin mentioned last season that he felt it might help to bring all incoming NFL rookies to Canton, OH, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame to expose them to what they can be (theoretically) if they apply themselves and avoid distractions. After all, it’s easier to achieve what we can envision.

The NFL, who (like all sports leagues) keeps tabs on Irvin’s media appearances (especially his radio show) to find out who to suspend next, listened to Irvin’s idea and found merit in it. Therefore, all rookies will now be required to trek to Canton as part of their rookie orientation each year (third item).

This doesn’t sound like a bad idea. We don’t know that it fixes any great ills about the youth not knowing their history and why don’t those young kids respect us oldsters and get off our immaculately manicured 67,000-seat lawn and all that, but it’s a low-impact way to give those unaware of the possibilities another path.

We also relish any reminder that the buffoon we often paint Mr. Irvin into being does not remotely describe the man. He has a widely popular radio show in Dallas, knows how to work a room, and did a little something on the field of play for a long time as well.

Not that he’s above the buffoonery, either. Michael Irvin still has the gift to surprise us, though, which we cherish.