Former NFL Defensive Back Ronyell Whitaker Dies at 46
Former NFL defensive back Ronyell Whitaker, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings, has died at the age of 46, his family confirmed Sunday.
His cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Born March 19, 1979, in Norfolk, Virginia, Whitaker starred at Lake Taylor High School before becoming a standout defensive player at Virginia Tech.
Although he went undrafted in 2003, Whitaker signed with Tampa Bay and continued fighting for his NFL career. He later joined the Minnesota Vikings, appearing in 27 games over two seasons, recording 31 tackles, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup.
After football, Whitaker became a coach and mentor, serving as a defensive backs coach at Chanhassen High School from 2014 to 2018. He also built a successful business through Whitaker Group, LLC.
His family remembered him as “a protector, a mentor and a source of strength and laughter.”
Whitaker leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, leadership and service that extended far beyond the football field.