yardbarker
Former Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions cornerback LeRoy Irvin passed away at the age of 68, the Rams official X account reported on July 2.
Sports journalist Eric Geller reported that Irvin passed away following a battle with throat cancer, noting that the two had worked together on a broadcasting team after Irvins NFL retirement Irvin was a third-round pick (No.
70) of the Rams in the 1980 NFL Draft from the University of Kansas and played 10 seasons for the Rams from 1980 to 1989 and one season with the Lions in 1990.
We mourn the loss of Rams Legend LeRoy Irvin.
We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
pic.twitter.com/ewnRmu8UGF Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) July 2, 2026 I will miss that raspy voice and that sense of humor that made me smile and laugh whenever we met up at some Rams function.
R.I.P.
LeRoy! Geller shared on X.
During his stint with the Rams, he recorded 34 interceptions, nine forced fumbles, 2.5 sacks, and five interceptions returned for touchdowns across 143 games played (104 starts).
He earned two consecutive Pro Bowl selections in 1985 and 1986.
He was also named First Team All-Pro two times (1981 & 1986)and a Second Team All-Pro once in 1985.
The former Kansas Jayhawks standout was a punt return specialist and holds the NFL record of posting 207 punt return yards in a single game, achieved against the Atlanta Falcons in 1981.
His former Rams teammate, RB Eric Dickerson, announced his passing via his Instagram account on July 2.
Devastated to hear about the passing of my brother, teammate, and Rams legend LeRoy Irvin, Dickersons Instagram caption read.
LeRoy wasnt 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.
After his football career, he worked as an assistant football coach for California State University and as a businessman with his former Rams teammates.
His passing sparked heartfelt tributes from across the NFL, with fans and former players remembering his impact both on and off the field.
The Rams team offered condolences to Irvins family with a short statement.
We mourn the loss of Rams Legend LeRoy Irvin, the Rams team posted via X.
We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
The NFL world, including his fans and former teammates, remembered him fondly for his kindness and impact on the field as a special teams player.
One fan remembered his two punt returns for touchdowns of 75 and 84 yards in his breakout campaign against the Falcons (37-35 win) on October 11, 1981 I remember his two punt returns for TDs in the same game against Atlanta...spoke to him at camp practice a couple of years ago..
RIP 47, one fan commented.
Former NFL cornerback Mark McMillan also extended his condolences.
Going to miss your calls and texts, champ, McMillan commented.
One fan fondly remembered him as his inspiration for wearing Jersey 47.
One of my favorite players all time...and one of the reasons I wore 47 in college, one fan wrote.
Mike Kane, a former student of California State University, where Irvin worked as an assistant football coach, shared his condolences.
LeRoy, also was Coach Irvin.
He coached at Cal State Northridge in the 90s.
I was lucky enough to coach with him! What a kind soul he was, Kane commented.
As tributes continue to pour in, fans remembered Irvin as a player whose legacy will continue to inspire the football community.
More must-reads:.