Michael Irvin thinks Greg Hardy can do for the Dallas Cowboys what Charles Haley did for the storied franchise back in the 1990s.
After joining Dallas following a successful six-year stint with the San Francisco 49ers, Haley helped Dallas win three Super Bowls, racking up 33 sacks between 1992-95.
Speaking with reporters at Cowboys camp in Oxnard, Ca. on Monday, Irvin expressed enthusiasm about the addition of Hardy, who he believes will have a big impact on the success of his former team.
Regardless of his off-field problems, which many believe should preclude him from playing in the NFL, there is no doubt Hardy is a phenomenally talented pass-rusher. Before being essentially suspended for the 2014 season, he was emerging as one of the game’s elite sack artists, with 26 in two years from 2012-13.
Now that his off-field issues are essentially behind him following his four-game suspension, Hardy has that eye-of-the-tiger look about him.
“As soon as he steps on the field, there’s a focus in his eyes,” said defensive ends coach Ben Bloom (h/t Sporting News). “I had seen him play on tape, and I could see the energy on tape, but to meet the man and feel it firsthand, it’s exciting. I have a whole lot respect for him. He sets the tone with his motor, his effort and his toughness.”
Rather than becoming a problem in the locker room, as many suspected would occur, Hardy has emerged as a vocal leader. By all the accounts being relayed from camp, he is also dominating on the field. After his suspension, it seems safe to say he’ll quickly return to the form that earned him the nickname “Kraken.”
Dallas is certainly poised to make a deep playoff run, and Hardy should be a huge part of the team’s success, as Irvin predicts.
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