Ray Jarvis: A Remarkable Journey from College to the NFL

2 hours ago 0

Ray Jarvis, known for his impressive skills as a wide receiver at Norfolk State, passed away on August 3 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He was 77 years old. Jarvis made a significant impact during his NFL career, spending nine seasons in the league.

Jarvis led the Detroit Lions in receiving during the 1975 and 1976 seasons. In 1975, he achieved 29 receptions, totaling 501 yards with four touchdowns. The following year, he surpassed those numbers with 39 receptions, 822 yards, and five touchdowns, earning the team’s offensive MVP award. Notably, his average of 26.1 yards per catch in 1976 was the best in the NFC.

Born on February 2, 1949, in Chesapeake, Virginia, Jarvis began his journey at Norfolk State from 1967 to 1970. During his tenure, he emerged as one of the top receivers in the program’s history, accumulating 2,211 receiving yards. This record still stands fourth in school history. His remarkable average of 30.8 yards per reception in the 1970 season is unmatched to this day.

Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round of the 1971 NFL Draft, Jarvis briefly played for them over two seasons before moving to the Buffalo Bills. Although he appeared in 12 games for the Bills in 1973, he managed only one catch.

Jarvis’ career thrived with the Detroit Lions, where he spent five productive seasons from 1974 to 1978, later concluding his career with the New England Patriots in 1979. His NFL career ended with an impressive 104 catches for 1,832 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Jarvis was honored by Norfolk State’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023. The recognition celebrated his outstanding contributions during college and his success in the NFL.

In retirement, Jarvis became one of the players whose family pursued compensation under the NFL’s concussion settlement, highlighting the struggles faced by some retirees. According to his wife, Ahdea, he had been in hospice care due to Alzheimer’s and dementia-related symptoms.

Ray Jarvis leaves behind his wife Ahdea, daughters Rahdea and Shani, and five siblings.