Views: 24By Chad Wilson | All Eyes DB Camp A defensive back who can get the ball back is valuable. A defensive back who can turn that possession into points gives his team something extra. LeRoy Irvin brought that threat to the Los Angeles Rams. He could score on an interception or a punt return. His career belongs in any discussion of defensive backs who made an impact in multiple parts of the game. From Kansas to Los Angeles Irvin played college football at the University of Kansas before the Rams selected him in the third round of the 1980 NFL Draft, with the 70th overall pick. He spent ten seasons in Los Angeles, from 1980 through 1989, and finished his NFL career with the Detroit Lions in 1990. Across those eleven seasons, he intercepted 35 passes and returned five for touchdowns. That is a career worth knowing. But the numbers only tell part of his story. A Punt Returner Who Changed Field Position Irvin made an early impact on special teams. In 1981, his second NFL season, he returned 46 punts for 615 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 13.4 yards per return. On October 11 of that season, he piled up 207 punt return yards against the Atlanta Falcons. That performance established an NFL single-game record that still stands. He earned Associated Press first-team All-Pro honors as a punt returner that season. Young defensive backs should pay attention to that part of his career. Special teams gives you another way to earn playing time and help your team. Catching the ball cleanly, making good decisions and understanding your blocking are skills that deserve practice. Being a defensive back does not make that work somebody else’s responsibility. Becoming an All-Pro Cornerback Irvin’s production in coverage continued to grow. He intercepted five passes in 1984, six in 1985 and another six in 1986. Four of those interceptions became touchdowns. He earned Pro Bowl selections for the 1985 and 1986 seasons. In 1986, he also received AP first-team All-Pro recognition at cornerback. Think about that. Irvin reached first-team All-Pro status as both a punt returner and a cornerback. His 34 interceptions with the Rams remain third in franchise history. He gave Los Angeles years of production after his early success returning punts. What Today’s DBs Can Learn In the Rams’ tribute to Irvin, former teammate Ivory Sully praised his quick feet, technique and confidence. Sully also recalled how seriously their return unit approached preparation. Those details matter. Athletic ability gets your attention. Preparation helps a player use that ability consistently. For a young DB, the lesson is to give your footwork the same attention you give your highlight plays. Practice catching the football. Learn your assignments. For more on the skills behind those plays, read our guide on how to play cornerback. Take pride in your special teams role. When you watch old film, study the moments before the interception or the long return. Watch the movement, the positioning and the decisions. That is where you can find something useful for your own game. Remembering LeRoy Irvin Irvin’s death was announced in July 2026. He was 68. His career left a clear example for the next generation of defensive backs: contribute wherever you can, develop your skills and be ready when the ball comes your way. LeRoy Irvin could change a game on defense or special teams. That is why his name belongs in Know Your DB History. Sources Los Angeles Rams: Remembering Rams legend LeRoy Irvin Los Angeles Rams: 1981 team statistics Pro Football Archives: LeRoy Irvin career statistics Sports Reference: LeRoy Irvin college and draft information Keep Learning Your DB History Read our look at Ronde Barber for another example of a defensive back who made preparation count. Want help connecting technique to game situations? Inside the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area, we study drills, coverage and film so you can understand what goes into making plays. Watch LeRoy Irvin’s Career Highlights Did you know LeRoy Irvin? Share your favorite memory in the comments. Author Recent Posts alleyesdbcampOwner at All Eyes DB CampChad Wilson is the founder of All Eyes DB Camp and a former standout defensive back for the Miami Hurricanes. After an elite collegiate career, Wilson spent a season with the Seattle Seahawks before transitioning into coaching. A 3-time Florida state champion defensive coordinator, he has spent over 20 years developing the "All Eyes" blueprint that has produced NFL All-Pros and stars like Xavien Howard, Patrick Surtain II, Tyson Campbell, Minkah Fitzpatrick and more. His coaching system is proven at the highest levels—his own sons, Quincy and Marco Wilson, both excelled as starters in the SEC before being drafted into the NFL.Chad is the author of "101 DB Tips"—The Ultimate DB Reference Guide. You can find more information on the manual and how to order your copy in the sidebar and footer of this page. Latest posts by alleyesdbcamp (see all) Know Your DB History: LeRoy Irvin, the Rams Cornerback Who Could Take It to the House - October 13, 2026 How to Play Cornerback: 11 Skills Every Defensive Back Needs - October 8, 2026 How to Defend a Slant Route in Press Coverage - October 6, 2026 Check This Out! Know Your DB History: Kenny Easley Know Your DB History: Darrell Green Know Your DB History: Charles Woodson Know Your DB History: Asante Samuel Post navigation How to Play Cornerback: 11 Skills Every Defensive Back Needs
