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LeRoy Irvin, Georgia native who set NFL punt return record, dies
By Courtney Martinez at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· July 3, 2026
· 2 min read
LeRoy Irvin, a Georgia native and two-time Pro Bowl punt returner and cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams, has died. He was 68. “We mourn the loss of Rams Legend LeRoy Irvin. We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time,” the Rams said. The team did not give a ca...
Key takeaway 15, 1957 and grew up in New Jersey before his family moved to Augusta, Georgia.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The passing of LeRoy Irvin, a Georgia native and NFL record holder, resonates deeply in the Atlanta community, particularly given his notable performance against the Atlanta Falcons. On October 11, 1981, Irvin set a record for most punt return yards in a single game, with 207 yards and two touchdowns, at the now-defunct Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. This achievement remains unbroken, cementing Irvin's legacy in the city's football history. As a graduate of Glenn Hills High School in Augusta, Georgia, Irvin's connection to the state is strong, and his accomplishments serve as a testament to the talent that has emerged from Georgia's high school and college football programs. The outpouring of tributes from fellow football legends, such as Eric Dickerson, underscores the respect and admiration Irvin earned throughout his career, and his memory will likely be honored by football fans across the state.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LeRoy Irvin, a Georgia native and two-time Pro Bowl punt returner and cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams, has died. He was 68. “We mourn the loss of Rams Legend LeRoy Irvin. We extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time,” the Rams said. The team did not give a ca...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Courtney Martinez at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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