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LeRoy Irvin, 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 Thursday that Irvin had recently died and said he was “devastated” by the news.
Los Angeles-based journalist Eric Geller, who noted having worked with Irvin after his retirement, wrote in an X post that he had been battling throat cancer. No additional details about Irvin’s death were revealed.
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Former NFL cornerback LeRoy Irvin attends the Second Annual Hall Of Fame Golf Invitational benefiting the Young Warriors Foundation at Angeles National Golf Club on July 24, 2015 in Sunland, California. (Pablo Archuleta/WireImage)
“LeRoy wasn’t just a tight 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. I send 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 selected him in the third round of the NFL Draft that year out of Kansas.
Irvin spent 10 of his 11 years with the Rams, although 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 shutdown cornerback who did a great 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 in 16 games. He also recorded the first sack of his career that year.
Irvin had a knack for big plays, especially when it came to interceptions, as he totaled 35 in his career. During the 1984 campaign, he had five interceptions, two of which he returned home to pick up six. Those two interception returns for touchdowns led the league.
Irvin established himself as a star cornerback for the Rams at this point in his career, earning Pro Bowl nods in 1985 and 1986, in the latter of which he was named First Team All-Pro once again. In 1985, he was named Second Team All-Pro.
Los Angeles Rams defensive back LeRoy Irvin takes the field during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Anaheim Stadium on December 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 deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
During his career with the Rams, Irvin accumulated 34 interceptions, five returned for touchdowns, nine forced fumbles and 13 fumble recoveries.
