Eric Dickerson delivered somber news Thursday morning. The Hall of Fame running back, who spent five seasons alongside LeRoy Irvin in Los Angeles, announced the passing of his former teammate and friend. Dickerson described Irvin as a “lockdown corner and a fierce competitor on the field,” but made clear Irvin’s impact stretched far beyond football, saying he “always brought incredible energy.” Word spread quickly, and tributes poured in for a player who shaped the game and touched countless lives.
The Los Angeles Rams soon confirmed Irvin’s death, mourning the loss of their former first-team All-Pro and offering condolences to his family and friends. Details surrounding his passing have not been made public. Irvin was 68.
Born September 15, 1957, in Fort Dix. New Jersey. Irvin’s football journey began far from the bright lights of Los Angeles. He attended Glenn Hills High School in Augusta. Georgia, then starred at the University of Kansas. The Rams selected him with the 70th overall pick in the 1980 NFL Draft. Over the next decade. Irvin became a fixture in Los Angeles, appearing in 143 games and starting 104 before finishing his career with the Detroit Lions in 1990.
Record-Breaking Career and Lasting Legacy
Irvin’s NFL career sparkled with unforgettable moments. On November 15, 1981, he delivered a performance for the ages, returning punts for 207 yards, including touchdowns of 75 and 84 yards, in a 37-35 win over the Atlanta Falcons. That single-game punt return yardage record still stands. His efforts that season earned him first-team All-Pro honors as a punt returner. Five years later, he repeated the feat at cornerback, a rare achievement that underscored his versatility. Few players in league history have earned All-Pro recognition at two different positions.
Playoff football brought out Irvin’s best. In the 1983 NFC Divisional Round, he intercepted a Dallas Cowboys pass and sprinted 94 yards for a touchdown, sealing a 24-17 Rams victory. Over his career. Irvin intercepted 35 passes, returning them for 654 yards and five touchdowns. He also recovered 13 fumbles, one of which he took to the end zone. In the postseason, he added four interceptions for 149 yards across 11 games.
Irvin’s final professional season came in 1990, when he started all 16 games for the Detroit Lions. After hanging up his cleats, he turned to coaching, serving as an assistant at California State University. Northridge, in 1992. Business ventures followed. He worked with fellow Rams alumnus Vince Ferragamo at End Zone Mortgage and co-founded Original Mini’s Inc, a company offering NFL-licensed products, alongside Dickerson and other former teammates.
Anaheim Hills. California, became Irvin’s home. He remained active in the community and business circles. Irvin is survived by his four children: Leroy III. Charles. Sarah, and Julius.
Irvin’s legacy endures in the record books and in the memories of those who played beside him. Dickerson’s words echoed the feelings of many: “Rest in peace, my brother. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Irvin family and all of Rams Nation.”
