Former Rams Standout Special Teams and Cornerback LeRoy Irvin Died at 68
He was drafted by the team in the third round of the 1980 NFL Draft. He went on to make his mark in the league, first as a punt returner and then as a cornerback. However, the team announced on Thursday that former Rams standout special teams and cornerback LeRoy Irvin died at 68. The Los Angeles Rams posted on their social media account:
“We mourn the loss of Rams Legend LeRoy Irvin. We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
LeRoy was a two-time All-Pro with the Los Angeles Rams. Irvin holds the Rams record for 11 non-offensive touchdowns and set an NFL single-game mark with 207 punt return yards. Those 11 touchdowns consist of five interception returns, four punt returns, one fumble recovery return and one blocked field goal return. In addition, he had 35 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles and 13 fumble recoveries over his 11-year career. Irvin spent 10 years with the Rams while his final season was with the Detroit Lions in 1990.
In 2023, he had an interview with journalist Tony Reid. Speaking about what he influenced him, he said:
“When I was in high school, I loved O.J. Simpson. I know that it’s horrible to say today but I loved O.J. Simpson. I wore number 32 and I patterned my running skills after O.J. Simpson. I was a running back in high school. That parlayed into my pro career. When I moved to defensive back in college, I always prided myself on being a great runner which led to me being a great punt returner.”
Freelance sports journalist Eric Geller reported that Irvin died Wednesday after a long battle with throat cancer.
Former Rams Standout Special Teams and Cornerback LeRoy Irvin Died at 68
Irvin was also teammates with running back great Eric Dickerson who shared his thoughts about the loss of Irvin:
“Devastated to hear about the passing of my brother, teammate, and Rams legend Leroy Irvin,” Dickerson’s post read. “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. Rest in peace, my brother. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Irvin family and all of Rams Nation.”
Irvin finished his career with 35 interceptions for 676 yards, and 147 punt returns for 1,457 yards. After retirement, he worked as a coach, broadcaster and businessman. Our condolences go out to his family and friends on the loss of such a dynamic former football player.
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