{"id":11281,"date":"2026-02-23T12:00:51","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T12:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.euro-tv.ro\/news\/former-nfl-defensive-back-ronyell-whitaker-dead-at-46\/"},"modified":"2026-02-23T12:00:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T12:00:51","slug":"former-nfl-defensive-back-ronyell-whitaker-dead-at-46","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.euro-tv.ro\/news\/former-nfl-defensive-back-ronyell-whitaker-dead-at-46\/","title":{"rendered":"Former NFL defensive back Ronyell Whitaker dead at 46"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Former NFL defensive back Ronyell Whitaker, who played for the Minnesota Vikings<\/a> for two seasons, has died, his family said on Sunday. He was 46.<\/p>\n

Whitaker\u2019s family released a statement through the Vikings. His cause of death was not announced.<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

“Born on March 19, 1979, Ronyell lived a life marked by passion, perseverance and purpose,” the statement read. “A gifted athlete, he proudly played high school football for Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, Virginia, and college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies<\/a>, where his talent, determination and leadership on the field made a lasting impact.”<\/p>\n

Whitaker was a standout player at Virginia Tech before he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003 as an undrafted free agent. He played four games for the Buccaneers and bounced from the main roster and the practice squad until 2005, when he was waived.<\/p>\n

He signed with the Vikings in 2006. He played 27 games for Minnesota and had 31 tackles, a fumble recovery and a pass break-up.<\/p>\n

Whitaker tried to continue his career with the Detroit Lions<\/a> but never saw the field for them. He also played in NFL Europe and was on the roster of the Canadian Football League\u2019s Winnipeg Blue Bombers.<\/p>\n

EX-NFL PRO BOWL LINEMAN TRE’ JOHNSON DEAD AT 54<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

“His journey didn’t end there,” Whitaker\u2019s family said. “He was a defensive backs coach at Chanhassen High School from 2014-18 and was the CEO\/Owner of privately-owned Whitaker Group, LLC, specializing in relocation transactions and short sales since 2011.<\/p>\n

“While many knew him for his athletic accomplishments, those closest to him knew him best for his generous heart, unwavering loyalty and deep love for his family. He was a protector, a mentor and a source of strength and laughter to all who had the blessing of knowing him.”<\/p>\n

Whitaker\u2019s family asked for privacy in the wake of his death.<\/p>\n

“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask for prayers, love and privacy as our family grieves this tremendous loss and celebrates the life of a man who meant so much to so many.”<\/p>\n

Follow Fox News Digital\u2019s<\/strong><\/i>\u00a0sports coverage on X<\/u><\/strong><\/i><\/a> and subscribe to<\/strong><\/i> the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter<\/u><\/strong><\/i><\/a>.<\/strong><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

– FOX NEWS<\/p>\n

This article appeared on the website foxnews.com
\nThis article is taken based on Law no. 8\/1996 of Romania. News does not enjoy copyright, so they can be taken, this is our right to take news and information in its entirety and distribute them further. The content was made available to us through the rss mechanism
\nOriginal Content<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Former NFL defensive back Ronyell Whitaker, who played for the Minnesota Vikings for two seasons, has died, his family said on Sunday. He was 46. Whitaker\u2019s family released a statement through the Vikings. His cause of death was not announced. 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