LeRoy Irvin, a two-time All-Pro cornerback who spent most of his NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams, has died. He was 68.
An Instagram post from former Rams teammate Eric Dickerson confirmed the news and said he was “devastated.” A Los Angeles reporter, Eric Geller, posted on X that Irvin had been battling throat cancer; that claim is unconfirmed and has not been confirmed by family or the team. This unverified health detail is noted as a caveat.
What we know
- LeRoy Irvin has died at age 68, as reported by teammates and early news coverage.
- No official cause of death has been released by family or the team.
- Teammates and the Rams have posted public condolences; a journalist on X reported an unconfirmed battle with throat cancer.
LeRoy Irvin — Career highlights and stats
Irvin was a key member of the Rams’ secondary in the 1980s. Early reports credit him with 35 career interceptions, including 34 during his time with the Rams, per the initial coverage. He was recognized leaguewide for his playmaking and turnover ability.
- Drafted: 1980 NFL Draft, third round (Kansas).
- NFL tenure: 11 seasons, including 10 with the Los Angeles Rams and a final season with the Detroit Lions.
- Interceptions: 35 career interceptions overall, 34 with the Rams (reported in early coverage).
- All-Pro honors: First Team All-Pro in 1981 and 1986; Second Team All-Pro in 1985.
- Pro Bowl: Selected to Pro Bowls during his career (noted in team records).
Notable seasons
1981: Irvin had a breakout year and was named First Team All-Pro after a season that included multiple turnovers and his first recorded sack. He played all 16 games and was a central part of the Rams’ pass defense that season.
1984: Irvin totaled five interceptions and returned two for touchdowns, showcasing his ability to turn turnovers into points and momentum for the Rams.
Reactions and tributes
Eric Dickerson posted on Instagram that he was “devastated” by Irvin’s death, offering condolences to his family and to Rams Nation and praising Irvin as a “lockdown corner” and a fierce competitor.
The Rams posted a statement expressing sorrow and extending condolences to Irvin’s family and friends. Numerous former teammates and members of the NFL community shared memories and sympathies on social platforms following the initial reports.
Background and legacy
Drafted out of the University of Kansas in 1980, Irvin became a fixture of the Rams’ secondary through the 1980s. His mix of coverage ability and knack for forcing turnovers made him a defining player of that era in Los Angeles.
Irvin’s All-Pro honors, interception returns for touchdowns and season-by-season contributions are part of how fans and historians remember his impact on the franchise.
FAQ
What was the cause of LeRoy Irvin’s death?
No official cause of death has been released. A journalist on X reported that Irvin had been battling throat cancer, but that detail remains unconfirmed by family or team representatives.
How many seasons did LeRoy Irvin play for the Rams?
Irvin played 10 of his 11 NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Rams before finishing his career with the Detroit Lions.
What were LeRoy Irvin’s top career achievements?
Highlights include multiple All-Pro honors (First Team All-Pro in 1981 and 1986, Second Team in 1985), Pro Bowl selections, and a reported 35 career interceptions with several returned for touchdowns. He had standout seasons in 1981 and 1984.
Source attribution
This account is based on early reporting from Fox News and public posts by teammates and reporters. Fox News’ initial coverage provided career totals and honors; the mention that Irvin had been battling throat cancer was posted on X by journalist Eric Geller and is unconfirmed in official statements.
We will update this story if family representatives or the team provide further details.
