So I finally got the chance to watch the new Spike TV show, 4th And Long With Michael Irvin. If you haven't heard about the show, let me give you a quick rundown on what it's about.



The show has former Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin as the host. He brings in a group of WRs and DBs to compete for a spot on the Dallas Cowboys 60 man roster. In order to win the competition, the players will have to go through a series of drills to show their skills and study film on their competition to make it to the next round. In addition to these drills, the players will be tested by some of NFL's best, including WRs coach Joe Avezzano (aka Coach Joe) and DBs coach, former S Bill Bates.



Each player has played football at some level, but each didn't make it to the pros for a variety of reasons. One player said that he was too small (he is 5'7") and that NFL coaches aren't knocking down doors for him. Another player said that his agent tried to put him in a package deal with another player and use that to get teams to sign both players. Well, he's on this show now, so it's clear that THAT plan didn't work out well, now did it??



Here are a couple of things I noticed while watching the first episode:



Michael Irvin being a bad guy is kinda funny to me. He really comes off as this bunghole of a host, but I found it quite amusing. Don't ask me why....but his poker face stares, yelling and cursing made me snicker every time. Sorry Irv, you don't scare me. Now if you still had those lines cut in your fade, THAT would scare me.



Another thing about Irvin, the cliche he used during the first half was very corny. His line, "It's 4th and long, think you got what it takes to move the chains on your life???" made me give my TV this face


Dude.... we get it. This is their last chance.. go sitco dumb-cliche-saying-azz down



This show is not for you if you have a weak stomach. I think this show set a record for most people throwing up on camera in one segment. It was gross! The players were throwing everywhere. I had to keep turning my head when I thought they would get sick. I love football but some of the intangibles I can do without.



The coaches were hard on those players, man. They started with the gunned down drill, then they proceeded to a conditioning drill, known as "110s", running to each side of the field. And then to finish it off, they each had to run the 40 yard dash directly after. I felt bad for those poor boys. Times like that make me glad I'm just a spectator and not a player.



With football season not getting started until July when training camp starts, this is the best way to get your football fix. I loved watching the players fight through pain and injury to live another day for their dream. In all fairness, they're not even guaranteed to make the final roster. But to see them give 100% for something they all want, makes me wish football season would get started already.



I really enjoyed this show. It's a reality show like no other I've ever seen. The coaches physically brake the players down. There is no bachelor pad type house that they lounge in. Instead they stay at the Cotton Bowl in the locker rooms. And this is real life for them, unlike the other reality junk we see on TV. I'm looking forward to watching this every Monday night at 10pm to see what happens next.


Overall, this show is a hit. If you miss football as much as I do, this is the show for you. But remember, it's not for the weak stomachs, or weak hearts either.

If you missed the first episode, check it out here and tell me what you think