Former Rams Star Dies at 68
LeRoy Irvin, a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback who spent the majority of his NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams, has died at the age of 68. According to Fox News , former teammate and Pro Football Hall of Fame running…
LeRoy Irvin, a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback who spent the majority of his NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams, has died at the age of 68.
According to Fox News, former teammate and Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson announced the news Thursday in an Instagram post, saying he was "devastated" by Irvin's death.
Los Angeles journalist Eric Geller, who worked with Irvin after his playing career, said on X that the former NFL standout had been battling throat cancer. No additional details about Irvin's death were immediately released.
"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. "Rest in peace, my brother. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Irvin family and all of Rams Nation."
Dickerson also shared a photo of himself and Irvin during an event for his charitable foundation.
The Rams selected Irvin in the third round of the 1980 NFL Draft after his college career at Kansas. He played 10 seasons with Los Angeles before finishing his 11-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions.
Irvin quickly established himself as one of the league's top defensive backs. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 1981 after recording three interceptions, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and the first sack of his career.
Known for creating turnovers, Irvin finished his career with 35 interceptions. During the 1984 season, he returned two interceptions for touchdowns, tying for the league lead in pick-sixes that year.