Former Los Angeles Rams Star’s Death Leaves NFL Fans Heartbroken

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Los Angeles Rams great LeRoy Irvin has died at the age of 68. Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson announced the news on social media, sharing a tribute on Instagram. Details surrounding Irvin’s passing have not yet been released.

Dickerson remembered his former teammate as both a competitor and a friend. 

“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,” he wrote (H/T TMZ). “Rest in peace, my brother. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Irvin family and all of Rams Nation.”

Irvin played 11 seasons in the NFL, spending most of his career with the Rams from 1980 to 1989 before finishing with the Detroit Lions in 1990. Drafted 70th overall in the 1980 NFL Draft out of Kansas, he quickly became known as one of the league’s premier cornerbacks and punt return specialists.  

His career numbers underline his impact. Irvin recorded 35 interceptions and scored 11 touchdowns over his 11 years in the league. 

LeRoy Irvin Survived By 4 Children

A three-time First-Team All‑Pro as a player, Irvin also earned two Pro Bowl selections. In 1981, he set the NFL record for most punt return yards in a single game with 207 against the Atlanta Falcons, a mark that still stands.  

After retiring, Irvin stayed connected to football and business. He served briefly as an assistant coach at Cal State Northridge in 1992. He later partnered with former Rams teammate Vince Ferragamo in a mortgage company and co‑founded Original Mini’s Inc, an NFL‑licensed products business alongside Dickerson and other ex‑players.  

Irvin lived in Anaheim Hills, California, and is survived by his four children: Leroy III, Charles, Sarah, and Julius.  

His passing marks the loss of a cornerstone of the Rams’ defense in the 1980s.  

TPS sends condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.

May he rest in peace.