Ray Jarvis, a renowned wide receiver, passed away on August 3 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, at the age of 77. A former standout at Norfolk State University, Jarvis played nine seasons in the NFL.

During his NFL tenure, Jarvis was a key player for the Detroit Lions, leading the team in receiving in 1975 with 29 receptions for 501 yards and four touchdowns. In 1976, he improved further with 39 receptions, 822 yards, and five touchdowns; he was named the Lions’ offensive MVP that year. His impressive average of 26.1 yards per catch led the NFC.

Born on February 2, 1949, in Chesapeake, Virginia, Jarvis excelled at Norfolk State from 1967 to 1970, establishing himself as one of the school’s most accomplished receivers. His career total of 2,211 receiving yards still ranks fourth in the university’s history. In 1970, he set a single-season school record with an average of 30.8 yards per reception, which stands unbroken for over fifty years.

In the 1971 NFL Draft, Jarvis was picked by the Atlanta Falcons in the fifth round as the 111th overall choice. He played six games with the Falcons over two seasons before moving to the Buffalo Bills, where he participated in 12 games in 1973 but managed just one reception. His career gained momentum with the Detroit Lions after joining them at the end of the 1974 training camp. He remained with the Lions for five seasons (1974-1978) and concluded his playing career with the New England Patriots in 1979. He retired with 104 catches, 1,832 yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns.

In 2023, Norfolk State University honored Jarvis by inducting him into their Athletics Hall of Fame. The university celebrated his record-setting achievements and his distinguished NFL career.

In his post-football life, Jarvis was among former NFL players whose families pursued compensation through the league’s concussion settlement. This highlighted the challenges faced by many retired athletes, including Jarvis, who dealt with symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

According to a social media post by his wife, Ahdea, Jarvis had been in hospice care since the previous year. He leaves behind his wife, Ahdea, daughters Rahdea and Shani, and five siblings.

For more NFL updates and stories, please visit Newsweek Sports.