Michael Irvin joins Jimmy the Greek, Al Campanis, and Kramer in the 'Stupid Remarks' Hall Of Fame

Four games ago, Tony Romo was a nondescript backup who'd never started a game. Now fans are hanging his name in the Cowboys Ring of Honor next to deities such as Dorsett, Hayes and the aforementioned Dr. Irvin.

How did a fourth-year nobody from Eastern Illinois become a pro sensation?

"I just try to execute," he said.

That's the kind of nice, modest explanation you've heard countless times. Then there is Irvin's explanation, which you probably haven't heard once.

"Somewhere there are some brothers. . . . (Maybe) his great, great, great, great Grandma ran over in the hood or something went down."

That's what Irvin said Monday on the Dan Patrick radio show. The host then asked Irvin if having black ancestry was the only way to be a great athlete.

"No, that's not the only way, but it's certainly one way. Great, great, great, great Grandma pulled one of them studs up outta the barn."

It should be noted that Irvin was cackling throughout. It should also be noted that doesn't matter.

Some things you just can't joke about in this day and age. At least you can't if you're, let's be honest here, the color of Romo's great, great, great, great Grandma.

Jimmy the Greek, Al Campanis, you know what happened to them when they offered their views on genealogy. Michael Richards went Klansman at a comedy club last week and his diatribe was a YouTube sensation almost before he got offstage.