{"id":936235,"date":"2026-07-04T07:21:30","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T07:21:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/936235\/"},"modified":"2026-07-04T07:21:30","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T07:21:30","slug":"former-nfl-cornerback-leroy-irvin-two-time-all-pro-with-rams-dead-at-68","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/936235\/","title":{"rendered":"Former NFL cornerback LeRoy Irvin, two-time All-Pro with Rams, dead at 68"},"content":{"rendered":"

Former NFL cornerback LeRoy Irvin, a two-time All-Pro with the Los Angeles Rams, has died at 68, the team announced<\/a> Thursday.<\/p>\n

Irvin was a fixture for the Rams during the 1980s, first making his impact known as a punt returner before emerging as a starting corner. He tallied four touchdowns on punt returns and added six more scores defensively, with 35 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles and 13 fumble recoveries over his 11-year career.<\/p>\n

Eric Dickerson, previously Irvin’s Rams teammate, posted<\/a> a tribute to him Thursday on Instagram.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

A 1980 third-round selection out of Kansas, Irvin was recognized as an All-Pro returner in his second season after posting 615 punt return yards with three scores and a 13.4 yards-per-return average, all of which led the league. He also set a still-standing NFL single-game record in Week 6 of that season with 207 punt return yards against the Atlanta Falcons.<\/p>\n

Though the Rams used him sparingly in the return game starting in 1984, Irvin remained a home-run threat at cornerback, robbing opponents of possessions and adding points to the scoreboard with uncanny regularity. From 1984-87, he scored at least once on defense each season, finding the end zone twice in both ’84 and ’86.<\/p>\n

During that four-year run, he made two Pro Bowls and again was recognized as an All-Pro, but as a cornerback rather than a returner.<\/p>\n

Irvin initially joined the Rams in the final season of an eight-year playoff streak for L.A., and although the next decade wasn’t as successful as the franchise’s last, he helped the team maintain it’s place as a consistent contender. The Rams and Irvin made seven playoff trips together, reaching the NFC Championship Game in both 1985 and 1989.<\/p>\n

Irvin added another four picks and two forced fumbles in postseason play, including an interception he returned 94 yards to help the Rams to a 1983 wild-card win over the Dallas Cowboys.<\/p>\n

Following 10 years with the Rams, Irvin played for the Detroit Lions in 1990, his final season in the NFL.<\/p>\n