LeRoy Irvin, Two-Time All-Pro Cornerback and Los Angeles Rams Legend, Dead at 68
LOS ANGELES — LeRoy Irvin, a two-time All-Pro cornerback who spent a decade with the Los Angeles Rams and finished his career with 35 interceptions, has died at the age of 68. Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Eric…
Key takeaways
- LeRoy Irvin, a two-time All-Pro cornerback who played a decade with the Los Angeles Rams, has died at age 68.
- Irvin finished his career with 35 interceptions and had been battling throat cancer, though no further details of his death were disclosed.
- Former Rams teammate and Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson announced the death on Instagram, saying he was "devastated."
- Drafted by the Rams in the third round of the 1980 NFL Draft out of Kansas, Irvin earned First Team All-Pro honors in 1981 and 1986 and Pro Bowl selections in 1985 and 1986.
- In his standout 1984 season, Irvin recorded five interceptions and led the league with two interceptions returned for touchdowns.
LOS ANGELES — LeRoy Irvin, a two-time All-Pro cornerback who spent a decade with the Los Angeles Rams and finished his career with 35 interceptions, has died at the age of 68. Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson, a former Rams teammate, announced the death on Instagram, writing that he was "devastated" by the loss. Los Angeles-based journalist Eric Geller noted that Irvin had been battling throat cancer; no further details about the circumstances of his death were disclosed.
Tributes from Teammates and the Franchise
Dickerson's Instagram post described Irvin as more than a defensive standout. "LeRoy wasn't just a lockdown corner and a fierce competitor on the field; he was a true friend and a great man who always brought incredible energy," Dickerson wrote, closing with condolences to the Irvin family and "all of Rams Nation." Dickerson also shared a photograph of the two men together, taken at an event held for Dickerson's foundation.
The Rams echoed that sentiment in a statement posted to social media. "We mourn the loss of Rams Legend LeRoy Irvin," the team wrote, extending condolences to his family and friends.
Ten Seasons Defining the Rams Secondary
Irvin was selected by Los Angeles in the third round of the 1980 NFL Draft out of the University of Kansas. He would spend 10 of his 11 professional seasons with the Rams before finishing with a single season in Detroit with the Lions.
His credentials as an elite cornerback were established quickly. In 1981, just his second season, Irvin earned his first First Team All-Pro selection after recording three interceptions, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and his first career sack across all 16 games.
A Career Defined by Turnovers and Big Returns
Irvin accumulated 35 career interceptions, with his most complete individual display coming in 1984. That season he recorded five picks, two of which he returned for touchdowns — a league-leading total in interception return scores for that year.
Recognition followed in consecutive seasons. Irvin earned Pro Bowl selections in both 1985 and 1986, was named Second Team All-Pro in 1985, and claimed his second First Team All-Pro honour in 1986. Over the entirety of his Rams tenure, he recorded 34 interceptions with five returned for touchdowns, nine forced fumbles, and 13 fumble recoveries.
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