Gerald D. Irons Sr. (May 2, 1947 – April 1, 2021) was an American professional football player who played ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). 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 nephews and great-nephews who have played in the NFL, David Irons, Kenny Irons and Paul Irons. Gerald has been listed among the 100 greatest Cleveland Browns of all time. Education Irons earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in business administration from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (formerly Maryland State College). During his time in college,he was captain of the football team, Student Government Association vice-president, and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and joined Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. In 1984, he was inducted into the UMES Football Hall of Fame. He earned a master's degree in business administration from The University of Chicago over six off-seasons, while playing professional football as a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders. He attended Cleveland Marshall College of Law at night, while playing linebacker with the Cleveland Browns for four 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 Prime Minister. The Mayor of Osaka presented him with a gold key to the city of Osaka. He was fluent in Japanese. Irons was a Past President of the Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees. He served on the CISD Board for over two decades. He was a sought-after motivational speaker, a graduate of the Houston FBI Citizens Academy, community board member of Texas Children’s Hospital and Memorial Hermann Hospital. Professional life After retiring from football, Gerald transitioned from the gridiron to the business world. He worked for 32 years with The Woodlands Development Company, a division of The Howard Hughes Corporation, located in The Woodlands, Texas, a 30,000-acre master planned community. As the Vice President of Business Development, Gerald led the relocation of hundreds of