Michael Irvin Reveals 1990s Cowboys’ Infamous 'White House' Party Culture

The Netflix docuseries "America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys" offers an in-depth look at the Dallas Cowboys' dominant 1990s era, highlighting both their on-field success and off-field controversies, particularly the infamous "White House." This Irving, Texas residence near the Cowboys' training facility became a notorious party house where players, led by Michael Irvin who dubbed himself its "president," engaged in drug use, wild parties, and encounters with women, including adult film actresses. The cultural shift followed the firing of coach Jimmy Johnson and the hiring of Barry Switzer, whose more lenient coaching style contrasted with Johnson's strict discipline, leading to a looser team environment. Irvin openly discusses the activities within the house, while other players and figures like Emmitt Smith and Dennis Pedini provide reluctant or indirect accounts. Owner Jerry Jones acknowledged the team's off-field lifestyle with the remark, "You can’t play football with Sunday school teachers," underscoring the franchise's acceptance of its players' rockstar-like behavior during that period. Though controversial, the "White House" reflects a complex chapter in Cowboys history where stellar athletic performance coexisted with a party culture.