Gerald Irons

Gerald Irons (born May 2, 1947 in Gary, Indiana) is a former American professional football player who played ten seasons in the National Football League. His youngest son Grant Irons plays 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 has 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.

Education
Gerald earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland. He earned his Masters 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. Mr. Irons also speaks the Japanese language.

Gerald is a Past President of the Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees. He has served on the CISD Board for 19 years. His current term expires in 2012.

Professional life
Mr. 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
Gerald has been married for 39 years to Myrna, his high school sweetheart. They have raised three very successful sons, all proud graduates of CISD high schools. Their sons were excellent student/athletes and graduated from Division I universities, on full scholarships. Gerald Jr. played football at the University of Nebraska and earned his Business Degree in 4 years. He is now an academic administrator at Lone Star College Montgomery in The Woodlands. Jarrett, their middle son, played football at the University of Michigan, was 2-time team captain, and earned his Bachelor Degree and Masters Degree from U of M. Jarrett is now a medical device representative in Chicago for an international, total-joint replacement, medical device company. Grant, their youngest son, was named the top high school male scholar/athlete in the nation. He played football at the University of Notre Dame, and was also a 2-time team captain. He earned his Bachelor Degree in 4 years from Notre Dame in Management Information Systems. Grant has started on his Masters Degree. He is now in his sixth season playing professional football as a defensive end and linebacker with the Oakland Raiders. 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 great work to his community, a new junior high named Irons Junior High School in The Woodlands, Texas has been named after him. The school will open in august of 2012 and will go to Oak Ridge High School.