Former Los Angeles Rams cornerback LeRoy Irvin died on July 2, a death certificate revealed. The immediate cause of his passing was acute hypoxic respiratory failure resulting from an obstruction by a neck mass. Irvin was 68 years old.
Contributing conditions included aspiration pneumonia and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, a form of cancer affecting the nose, throat, and mouth. The death certificate also indicated Irvin had a history of health issues, including lymphoma, Parkinson's disease, dementia, hypertension, and prostate cancer. He underwent a tracheostomy on June 14, just weeks before his death, in an apparent effort to improve his breathing.
Irvin was selected by the Rams in the third round of the 1980 NFL Draft. During his 10 seasons with the team, he recorded 34 interceptions, returning five for touchdowns. He also served as the team's kick and punt returner and was named to two Pro Bowl rosters. He concluded his NFL career with the Detroit Lions in 1990.
Eric Dickerson, a former teammate, remembered Irvin as "a lockdown corner and a fierce competitor" who was also "a true friend and a great man" off the field. Irvin's ashes were scattered at sea off the coast of Rosarito, Mexico.