On the list of the malfeasances committed by members of the 1990s Dallas Cowboys, this one might not be at the top of the list. But it sure is funny.

Michael Irvin appeared with host Rich Eisen and admitted — 24 years to the day later — that he sneaked out of the Dallas Cowboys’ locker room during halftime of Super Bowl XXVII against the Buffalo Bills to watch Michael Jackson’s performance.

[Ditch the paper and pen – play Squares Pick’em for the Big Game!]

“Man, listen, [Cowboys head coach] Jimmy Johnson was trying to talk about game planning and everything, and we’re sitting here like, ‘C’mon, coach!'” Irvin said Wednesday. “And then half of us were sneaking out the back to go watch Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson is Michael Jackson!”

Michael Irvin and some Dallas Cowboys teammates sneaked out to watch Michael Jackson’s historic halftime performance in 1993. (AP) More

And though we know the halftime show to be the spectacle it is now, Jackson helped elevate the event. The year prior, Fox — before it ever broadcast NFL games — successfully drew viewers away during halftime with a special episode of “In Living Color” as audiences were willing to change channels in lieu of the NFL’s often bland halftime fare.

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So the NFL upped the stakes by booking Jackson, and halftime ratings actually went up for his historic performance. But Irvin was, you know, playing in the game. A pretty amazing admission to say the least, even if he failed to mention which other Cowboys teammates were with him to sneak a peek at Jackson’s set.

Of course, the Cowboys led the Bills 28-10 at half, completely dominating the action after falling behind 7-0, and Irvin had two touchdowns already at that point. But still! We’d love to hear Johnson’s reaction. Something tells us he knew. Jimmy had a way of looking the other way during his coaching stops as long as his players delivered, as the Cowboys did that night in a 52-17 blowout. Irvin, in case you wondered, finished the game with six receptions for 114 yards and those two scores.

You could say Irvin and the Cowboys were at their “Smooth Criminal” best that night.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter!

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