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By Jon Paul Hoornstra
Contributing Sports Writer
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Ray Jarvis, a standout wide receiver at Norfolk State who went on to play nine seasons in the NFL, died Aug. 3 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He was 77.
Jarvis led the Lions in receiving in 1975 (29 receptions, 501 yards, four touchdowns) and 1976 (39 receptions, 822 yards, five TDs). In 1976 he was named the Lions' offensive MVP, and his 26.1 yards per catch led the NFC.
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Born Feb. 2, 1949, in Chesapeake, Virginia, Jarvis developed into one of the most accomplished receivers in Norfolk State history during his four-year career from 1967-70.
At a time when the Spartans were establishing themselves as one of the premier programs among Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Jarvis emerged as one of the nation's top deep threats. He finished his collegiate career with 2,211 receiving yards, a total that still ranks fourth in school history. His 30.8 yards per reception during the 1970 season remains a Norfolk State single-season record more than five decades later.
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The Atlanta Falcons selected Jarvis in the fifth round of the 1971 NFL Draft with the 111th overall pick. He played six games with the Falcons over the next two seasons, then latched on with the Buffalo Bills. Although he suited up for 12 games with the Bills in 1973, he caught just one pass.
Jarvis' career blossomed in Detroit after he joined the Lions at end of their 1974 training camp. He spent five seasons in Detroit (1974-78) before finishing his playing career with the New England Patriots in 1979.
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Jarvis retired with 104 catches for 1,832 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns.
Norfolk State formally recognized Jarvis' contributions in 2023, when he was inducted into the university's Athletics Hall of Fame. The school cited both his record-setting production with the Spartans and his nine-year NFL career in honoring one of the program's most accomplished receivers.
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In retirement, Jarvis was among the former NFL players whose family sought compensation through the league's concussion settlement, highlighting the challenges some of the game's oldest retirees faced in navigating the claims process.
According to a social media post by his wife, Ahdea, Jarvis had been in hospice since last year because of symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Jarvis is survived by Ahdea, daughters Rahdea and Shani, and five siblings.
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