LeRoy Irvin is a former American football player who played as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was born on November 8, 1956, in Fort Dix, New Jersey, and grew up in Southern California. Irvin attended Jefferson High School in Los Angeles, where he played football and ran track. He was a standout athlete and earned All-City honors in both sports.
After high school, Irvin attended Kansas State University, where he continued to play football and run track. He was a two-time All-Big Eight selection and set a school record for punt return yards in a season. Irvin was also a member of the track team and won the Big Eight Conference championship in the 100-meter dash.
In 1980, Irvin was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as one of the league's top cornerbacks and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1985 and 1986. Irvin was known for his speed, agility, and physicality, and he was a key member of the Rams' defense during his tenure with the team.
In 1989, Irvin was involved in a serious car accident that left him with a broken neck and temporarily paralyzed. He underwent surgery and rehabilitation and was able to return to the field the following season. However, he was never able to regain his previous form and retired from the NFL in 1990.
After his playing career, Irvin worked as a football analyst for various media outlets, including ESPN and Fox Sports. He also became involved in coaching and worked as an assistant coach at several high schools in Southern California.
In 2011, Irvin was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding athletic achievements. He remains a respected figure in the football community and is remembered as one of the best cornerbacks of his era.
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