Place of birth Gary, Indiana Name Gerald Irons College Maryland Eastern Shore Role American football player | 1970-1975 Oakland Raiders Positions Linebacker 1976-1979 Cleveland Browns | |
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NFL draft 1970 / Round: 3 / Pick: 76 Education University of Chicago, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Born May 2, 1947 (age 73), Gary, Indiana Died April 1, 2021 (aged 73) The Woodlands, Texas | ||
Gerald Irons (May 2, 1947 – April 1, 2021) was a former American professional football player who played ten seasons in the National Football League. His youngest son Grant Irons played for the Oakland Raiders. Eldest son Gerald, Jr. played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and middle son Jarrett was the fifth junior elected captain for the Michigan Wolverines. He had several NFL nephews and great nephews: David Irons, Kenny Irons and Paul Irons. Gerald has been listed among the 100 greatest Cleveland Browns of all time.
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Education
Irons earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, formerly Maryland State College. He earned his master's degree in Business Administration from The University of Chicago, during 6 off-seasons, while playing professional football as a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders. He attended John Marshall Law School at night, while playing linebacker with the Cleveland Browns for 4 years. Cleveland, Ohio Jaycees named him “Man of the Year.”
Life after football
After 10 years in the NFL, he retired from football and moved his family to Texas. Five years after arriving in Texas, the Osaka Japan Jaycees selected him to represent the United States at its worldwide “Ten Outstanding Young Persons Conference,” held for 10 days in Osaka. During the conference, he met with the Crown Prince, Crown Princess, and with the Prime Minister. The Mayor of Osaka presented him with a gold key to the city of Osaka. Irons also speaks the Japanese language.
Irons was a Past President of the Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees. He served on the CISD Board for 19 years.
Professional life
Irons is Senior Vice President of Business Development with Conine & Associates, Commercial Real Estate Advisors. He represents commercial real estate on behalf of The Woodlands Development Company.
Personal life
Irons was married for 50 years to Myrna. They have raised three sons, all graduates of Conroe ISD high schools. All five members of The Irons Family were selected and honored by The Woodlands residents as “Original Hometown Heroes” at The Woodlands 25th Year Celebration.
Because of his work to his community, a new junior high named Irons Junior High School in The Woodlands, Texas has been named after him. The school was scheduled to open in August 2012 and will go to Oak Ridge High School.
Death
After a battle with Parkinson's Disease, Gerald D. Irons, Sr., died on April 1, 2021 in The Woodlands, TX surrounded by his family.