Photo: George Rose / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Leroy Irvin has died at the age of 68. The news was announced today by Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson on social media, where he described Irvin as a great teammate and a true friend. Irvin played ten of his 11 NFL seasons with the Rams, earning Pro Bowl honors in 1985 and 1986. He concluded his career with the Detroit Lions in 1990.
Born on September 15, 1957, in Fort Dix, New Jersey, Irvin attended Glenn Hills High School in Augusta, Georgia, before starting his college career at the University of Kansas in 1976. Known for his exceptional skills on the field, Irvin holds the record for most punt return yards in a single game—207 yards against the Atlanta Falcons in 1981. He was named All-Pro four times and was one of the few players in NFL history to achieve this distinction at two different positions.
After retiring from professional football, Irvin worked as an assistant coach at California State University, Northridge, in 1992. He later ventured into business, working alongside former Rams teammate Vince Ferragamo at End Zone Mortgage in Anaheim Hills, California. Irvin also co-founded Original Mini's Inc, a company offering NFL-licensed products, with Dickerson and other former teammates.
Irvin is survived by his four children: Leroy III, Charles, Sarah, and Julius. He resided in Anaheim Hills, California, at the time of his passing.