[2] After graduating from high school, Valentine committed to Texas A&M University, joining two of his former Marshall teammates.

[9] He scored his first career touchdown in a 43–16 win over Houston in week five and scored a key two-point conversion in the Aggies' 28–27 win versus the Texas Tech Red Raiders two weeks earlier.

[12][13] "Ira was the fastest player at his position still available when it came our turn," said Oilers' head coach Jerry Glanville, as Valentine had run a 4.40 second 40-yard dash in college.

[16] He survived the final roster cuts on September 7 and made his NFL debut in week one against the Los Angeles Rams, in a 20–16 win.

[17] He also appeared in two playoff games, in a win over the Seattle Seahawks and in a loss to the Denver Broncos.

[17] Valentine entered the 1988 season competing with Alonzo Highsmith, Mike Rozier, Lorenzo White, Allen Pinkett, Spencer Tillman, and Ray Wallace for the starting running back job.

[22] Valentine returned to East Texas, where he grew up, after his football career ended and worked at a forging plant.