Former NFL wide receiver Ray Jarvis, who enjoyed a nine-year professional career after starring at Norfolk State, has died at the age of 77.
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Jarvis passed away Monday in Waukesha, Wisconsin, according to his obituary.
A Chesapeake, Virginia, native, Jarvis played at Norfolk State from 1967-70 and established himself as one of the school's greatest receivers. He finished with 2,211 career receiving yards, still ranks fourth in program history and continues to hold the Spartans' single-season record with an average of 30.8 yards per reception in 1970.
His accomplishments earned him induction into the Norfolk State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023.
The Atlanta Falcons selected Jarvis in the fifth round of the 1971 NFL Draft. He spent two seasons with Atlanta before playing for the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and New England Patriots during his nine-year NFL career.
Jarvis appeared in 117 career games, totaling 104 receptions for 1,832 yards and 11 touchdowns. His best season came with the Lions in 1976, when he caught 39 passes for 822 yards and five touchdowns.
In a statement shared with The Virginian-Pilot, Jarvis' wife, Ahdea, remembered him as "a great man, husband, and father."
"He is no longer in pain; he is no longer suffering," she said. "Now we mourn our great loss."
Jarvis is survived by his wife, Diane Ahdea Jarvis, two daughters and several siblings. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday in Michigan City, Indiana.
