LeRoy Irvin, a standout cornerback who spent the bulk of his National Football League career with the Los Angeles Rams and earned recognition as one of the franchise's most celebrated defensive players, has died. He was 68.
The Rams confirmed his death in a
post on X on July 2, writing, "We mourn the loss of Rams Legend LeRoy Irvin. We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
While the team did not disclose further details surrounding the circumstances of his passing, Los Angeles-based journalist Eric Geller—who worked alongside Irvin on a broadcasting team after his retirement from professional football—revealed on X that the former defensive back had been fighting throat cancer. According to Geller's July 2
post on X, Irvin "lost his battle, ironically enough, to throat cancer last night."
Irvin's NFL journey began in 1980 when the Rams selected him with the 70th overall pick in the draft. Over the next decade, he became one of the team's most dependable players in the secondary, starting 104 games across 10 seasons with Los Angeles before closing out his professional career with a final season in Detroit with the Lions.
During his time in the league, Irvin recorded 35 interceptions and was honored with Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections on two separate occasions, cementing his legacy as one of the premier cornerbacks of his era. He
recorded 1,457 career punt return yards and 4 touchdowns, 61 career kickoff returns for 1,180 yards and 11 total touchdowns across multiple positions.
Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson, a former teammate, expressed his grief in an Instagram
post on July 2. "Devastated to hear about the passing of my brother, teammate, and Rams legend Leroy Irvin," Dickerson wrote. "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."
Dickerson accompanied the post with a photograph of the two men smiling together at an event hosted by Dickerson's foundation.
Geller, who co-hosted a public access television broadcast of Buena Park High School football games with Irvin after his retirement, remembered the former Ram with a mix of grief and warm humor. "LeRoy was a great defensive back for the Rams and played his final season for the Detroit Lions," Geller wrote. "He was an even better person and friend. 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!"
Irvin is survived by his four children: Leroy III, Charles, Sarah, and Julius, according to his
IMDb biography.
