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.
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.
Cleveland, Ohio Jaycees named him “Man of the Year.” After ten years in the NFL, he retired from football and moved his family to Texas.
Irons was a past president of the Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees.
As the Vice President of Business Development, Gerald led the relocation of hundreds of companies to The Woodlands.
After a battle with Parkinson's Disease, Gerald D. Irons, Sr., died on April 1, 2021, in The Woodlands, Texas, surrounded by his family.