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 . Notes . http : / / www . conroeisd . net / about / board / irons . asp