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LeRoy Irvin, a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams, has died. He was 68 years old.
Irvin’s former Rams teammate, Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson, wrote on his Instagram on Thursday that Irvin had died recently, saying he was “devastated” by the news.
Los Angeles-based journalist Eric Geller, who noted working with Irvin following his retirement, wrote in an X post that he had been battling throat cancer. No additional details were disclosed about Irvin’s death.
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Former NFL Cornerback LeRoy Irvin attends the 2nd annual Hall Of Fame Golf Invitational benefiting The Young Warriors Foundation at Angeles National Golf Club on July 24, 2015 in Sunland, California. (Paul Archuleta/WireImage)
“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 said. “Rest in peace, my brother. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Irvin family and all of Rams Nation.”
Dickerson shared a photo of him and Irvin together during an event for the former’s foundation.
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Irvin became a part of the Rams in 1980 when they took him in the third round of the NFL Draft that year out of Kansas.
Irvin spent 10 of his 11 years with the Rams, though his career ended after one season with the Detroit Lions.
LeRoy Irvin of the Los Angeles Rams circa 1989 at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. (Owen Shaw/Getty Images)
To Dickerson’s point, Irvin was a lockdown corner who did quite the job in just his second season with the franchise. He was named First Team All-Pro in 1981 after tallying three interceptions, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries across 16 games. He also notched his first career sack that year.
Irvin had a knack for the big play, especially when it came to interceptions as he totaled 35 for his career. During the 1984 campaign, he had five interceptions, two of which he returned to the house for a pick-six. Those two interception returns for touchdowns led the league.
Irvin was cemented as a star corner for the Rams at this point in his career, earning Pro Bowl nods in 1985 and 1986, the latter of which he was named First Team All-Pro yet again. In 1985, he was named Second Team All-Pro.
Defensive back LeRoy Irvin of the Los Angeles Rams takes the field during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Anaheim Stadium on Dec. 14, 1986 in Anaheim, California. The Rams won 37-31 in overtime. (George Rose/Getty Images)
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“We mourn the loss of Rams Legend LeRoy Irvin,” the Rams wrote in a statement on social media. “We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
During his Rams career, Irvin amassed 34 interceptions, five returned for touchdowns, nine forced fumbles and 13 fumble recoveries.
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