Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 rival players Niners fans love to hate

By Robert Smith

CANTON, OH - AUGUST 8: Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach speaks about former teammate Bob Hayes Sr. at his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the 2009 enshrinement ceremony at Fawcett Stadium on August 8, 2009 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CANTON, OH - AUGUST 8: Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach speaks about former teammate Bob Hayes Sr. at his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the 2009 enshrinement ceremony at Fawcett Stadium on August 8, 2009 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Michael Irvin, wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball during the National Football Conference game against the Phoenix Cardinals on 8 December 1996 at the Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona, United States. The Cowboys won the game 10 – 6. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Allsport/Getty Images)
Michael Irvin, wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball during the National Football Conference game against the Phoenix Cardinals on 8 December 1996 at the Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona, United States. The Cowboys won the game 10 – 6. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Allsport/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Michael Irvin

When you have such a rivalry as the Niners and Cowboys have had over the years, it is no surprise to see two Dallas players on the list.

Wide receiver Michael Irvin, much the same as Lawrence Taylor, has had numerous questionable incidents off the field. And while his personal life may be questionable, his on-field production and team success is undeniable.

After being drafted by the Cowboys with the 11th overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft, “The Playmaker” joined Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith to form “The Triplets.”

By the end of the 1992 season, they were playing in and winning the Super Bowl, the first of three during the 1990s. En route to those three titles, the Cowboys played the 49ers three times in the NFC Championship game, winning two of those contests.

Irvin compiled 20 catches for 301 yards and two touchdowns to go along with his signature “first down” signal that surely irritated all fans not wearing Cowboy colors.

Much as some times had disdain for the 49ers for their “arrogance” or confidence, the same could be said for the ’90s Cowboys, and in particular, Irvin.

If you are/were a true 49er fan, Irvin definitely got under your skin.