Michael Irvin is Dallas' all-time leader with 750 catches and 11,904 receiving yards.

Our last image of Michael Irvin isn't too flattering.

On the concrete masquerading as artificial turf at Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium, Irvin laid motionless after taking a blow to the head by Eagles safety Tim Hauck last October 10. That 8-yard gain with 5:16 left in the first quarter of Dallas' 13-10 loss to Philadelphia would be his 750th and final reception of his career.

Say what you want about the man affectionately known in Big D as "Playmaker." Call him arrogant -- some will even accuse him of being a cheat with the way referees allowed him to push off defensive backs -- but call Michael Irvin a Hall of Famer.

No way? Reserve judgment until you review the numbers of receivers already in Canton.

Irvin has more catches than Raymond Berry (631). He's gained more yards receiving than Lance Alworth (10,266). The best measuring stick to gauge his worthiness is Charlie Joiner. A possession receiver like Irvin, Joiner caught as many passes and touchdowns (65) as Irvin but did so in six more seasons during an 18-year career. Yes, Joiner can be found in Canton.

	Comparing Irvin to Hall of Fame wide receivers
	Name	Rec	Yds	TDs
	Michael Irvin	750	11,904	65
	Charlie Joiner	750	12,146	65
	Don Maynard	633	11,834	88
	Raymond Berry	631	9,275	68
	Fred Biletnikoff	589	8,964	76
	Lance Alworth	542	10,266	85
	Tommy McDonald	495	8,410	84
	Don Hutson	488	7,991	99
	Paul Warfield	427	8,565	85
	Tom Fears	400	5,397	38

For those who believe Irvin's off-the-field problems have tainted his Hall of Fame résumé, just remember these two words: Lawrence Taylor.

Where does Irvin rate among the best receivers of his era? With Jerry Rice, Cris Carter and Herman Moore in his conference, Irvin managed to play in five Pro Bowls. He entered the 1999 season fourth among active pass catchers behind Rice, Andre Reed and Carter.

Irvin earned his place in the Hall by going where few receivers dared to venture -- over the middle of the field. Using his 6-foot-2, 207-pound frame to shield corners from the ball, he did so with ease to pick up a first down and set up another series of Emmitt Smith runs up the middle.

Speaking of Smith, he's a shoe-in for the Hall. So is Troy Aikman, who's one of only three quarterbacks to win three Super Bowls. The third component of Dallas' Big Three should get his day in the Ohio sun, too.

That image will be more appropriate to remember one of the game's best receivers of the '90s than that scary scene last October.

Joe Lago is the NFL editor for ESPN.com.