Ray Jarvis (American football) facts for kids
Jarvis in 1972
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| No. 46, 80, 45, 87 | |||||||||
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| Position: | Wide receiver | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | February 2, 1949 Chesapeake, Virginia, U.S. |
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| Died: | August 3, 2026 (aged 77) Waukesha, Wisconsin, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 200 lb (91 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| College: | Norfolk State | ||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1971 / Round: 5 / Pick: 111 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||
Ray Jarvis was an amazing American football player. He was known as a talented wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). Ray was born on February 2, 1949, and sadly passed away on August 3, 2026. He played college football for the Norfolk State Spartans before joining the NFL. During his professional career, he played for several famous teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, and New England Patriots.
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Who Was Ray Jarvis?
Ray Jarvis, whose full name was Leon Raeminton Jarvis, was a talented athlete from Chesapeake, Virginia. He grew up loving football and worked hard to become a professional player. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 200 pounds, he was a strong and fast wide receiver. This position is key in football, as wide receivers catch passes from the quarterback and try to score touchdowns.
Ray's College Football Journey
Before becoming an NFL star, Ray Jarvis played college football at Norfolk State University. He was a standout player for the Norfolk State Spartans. Playing college sports is a big step for many athletes, helping them develop their skills and teamwork. Ray's excellent performance in college caught the eye of professional scouts.
The NFL Draft: A Big Moment
In 1971, Ray Jarvis was chosen in the 1971 NFL draft. This is a special event where NFL teams pick the best college players to join their rosters. Ray was selected in the fifth round, as the 111th pick overall. Being drafted into the NFL is a dream come true for many young football players.
Ray Jarvis's NFL Career
Ray Jarvis had an exciting career in the National Football League, playing for four different teams over several years. He was known for his speed and ability to catch the ball, making him a valuable player on the field.
Playing for the Atlanta Falcons
Ray Jarvis started his NFL journey with the Atlanta Falcons. He played for the Falcons during the 1971 and 1972 seasons. This was his first experience in the fast-paced world of professional football.
Time with the Buffalo Bills
After his time with the Falcons, Ray moved to the Buffalo Bills for the 1973 season. Changing teams is common in professional sports, and it gives players new opportunities to show their skills.
Years with the Detroit Lions
Ray Jarvis spent the longest part of his career with the Detroit Lions. He played for the Lions from 1974 to 1978. During these years, he became a key player, making many important catches and helping his team. He played a total of 82 games in his career, starting in 39 of them.
Impressive Stats and Touchdowns
Throughout his NFL career, Ray Jarvis achieved some impressive statistics. He gained a total of 1,832 receiving yards, which means he ran with the ball for that many yards after catching it. His average was 17.6 yards per catch, showing his ability to make big plays. He also scored 11 touchdowns, which are the highest-scoring plays in football.
Final Season with the New England Patriots
Ray Jarvis concluded his NFL career with the New England Patriots in 1979. He played one season with the Patriots before retiring from professional football.
Ray Jarvis's Legacy
Ray Jarvis will be remembered as a dedicated and skilled wide receiver who made his mark in the NFL. He inspired many young athletes with his journey from college football to the professional leagues. Ray passed away recently on August 3, 2026, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, at the age of 77. His contributions to the sport of football will always be a part of its history.
