He played college football for the NC State Wolfpack and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft.

Irving attended Wallace-Rose Hill High School in Teachey, North Carolina, where he tallied 110 tackles, six forced fumbles, three sacks, and one interception in his senior year.

[2][3] Irving holds the NCAA FBS record for tackles for loss in a single game with eight in 2010.

[5] Irving was placed on injured reserve in November 2014 with a knee injury that required surgery.

[8] On September 3, 2016, Irving was released by the Colts as part of final roster cuts.