Former Rams cornerback and special teams standout LeRoy Irvin, a two-time All-Pro, has died at 68, the team announced Thursday.
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Irvin starred for the Rams during the 1980s, first making an impact as a punt returner before earning a starting cornerback spot. He returned four punt returns for touchdowns and added six more TDs on defense (one fumble return), finishing his career with 35 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles and 13 fumble recoveries over 11 seasons.
“We mourn the loss of Rams Legend LeRoy Irvin,” the team wrote on social media. “We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
No further details were provided. Freelance sports journalist Eric Geller reported that Irvin died Wednesday after a long battle with throat cancer.
Former Rams running back Eric Dickerson, one of Irvin’s teammates, posted a tribute to him Thursday on Instagram.
“Devastated to hear about the passing of my brother, teammate, and Rams legend Leroy Irvin,” Dickerson’s post read. “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. Rest in peace, my brother. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Irvin family and all of Rams Nation.”
A third-round draft pick out of Kansas in 1980, Irvin was recognized as an All-Pro return man in his second season after averaging 13.4 yards per return with three touchdowns, both of which led the league.
In an NFL record that still stands, Irvin had 207 punt return yards in a 37-35 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 11, 1981. Two of his six punt returns that day went for touchdowns of 75 and 84 yards.
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The Rams started using him more sparingly on punt returns in 1984, but he remained a big-play threat at cornerback. From 1984-87, he scored at least once on defense each season, finding the end zone twice during the ’84 and ’86 seasons.
During that four-year run, he made two Pro Bowls and again received All-Pro recognition, but as a cornerback this time.
Irvin holds the Rams record for most non-offensive touchdowns (11 – five interception returns, four punt returns, one fumble recovery return and one blocked field goal return). He also is tied with Janoris Jenkins and Ed Meador for most pick-sixes in team history.
Irvin initially joined the Rams in the final season of an eight-year playoff run, and he helped the team maintain it’s place as a consistent contender. The Rams and Irvin made seven playoff appearances together, reaching the NFC championship game in 1985 and 1989.
Irvin added another four interceptions and two forced fumble recoverings in postseason play, including an interception he returned 94 yards to help the Rams to a 1983 wild-card victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
Following his 10 seasons with the Rams, Irvin played his final NFL season for the Detroit Lions in 1990.
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After retirement, he worked as a coach, broadcaster and businessman.