Former Rams Cornerback LeRoy Irvin Dies at 68 After 11 NFL Seasons

Q: Was LeRoy Irvin the NFL's most overlooked dual-threat star of the 1980s?

Yes—he has a strong case, even if “most overlooked” cannot be proved definitively. Irvin’s résumé shows unusual two-way impact for the 1980s. He was not just a top cornerback; he was also an elite punt returner. He earned first-team All-Pro honors at two different positions, a rare distinction: as a returner in 1981 and as a cornerback later in the decade. That alone separates him from many better-known defensive backs of his era. The production backs it up. Irvin finished with 35 career interceptions, five returned for touchdowns, plus nine forced fumbles and 13 fumble recoveries with the Rams. On special teams, he scored four punt-return touchdowns and set an NFL single-game record with 207 punt-return yards against Atlanta, including two touchdowns. In total, he produced 10 non-offensive touchdowns, a remarkable figure for a defensive back. What makes the “overlooked” label plausible is the gap between his achievements and his public profile. He made only two Pro Bowls, yet he was a four-time All-Pro across his career and helped the Rams reach the playoffs seven times. He played in Los Angeles, but on teams and in an era often remembered more for bigger national stars, including teammates such as Eric Dickerson. So while the title is subjective, the evidence is clear: LeRoy Irvin was one of the 1980s’ most underappreciated dual-threat NFL stars, with a credible argument for being the most overlooked.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 2

LeRoy Irvin, a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback who spent 10 of his 11 NFL seasons with the Rams, has died at 68 after battling throat cancer.
Eric Dickerson disclosed the death on Instagram, saying he was "devastated," while journalist Eric Geller said Irvin had been fighting throat cancer; no further details were released.
Irvin joined the Rams as a third-round pick in 1980 and built a standout career that included First-Team All-Pro honors in 1981 and 1986, plus Pro Bowl selections in 1985 and 1986.
His Rams tenure produced 34 interceptions, five returned for touchdowns, nine forced fumbles and 13 fumble recoveries, cementing his reputation as one of the franchise's top defensive backs.
The Rams called him a "Rams Legend" in a social media statement, extending condolences to his family and friends.