The family of Ronyell Whitaker, a defensive back who played college football at Virginia Tech and professionally in the NFL, announced his death on Sunday. Whitaker was 46 years old.
Details regarding where Whitaker died and what caused his death were not disclosed. He would have celebrated his 47th birthday on March 19.
“Ronyell lived a life marked by passion, perseverance and purpose,” his family stated. “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, where his talent, determination and leadership on the field made a lasting impact.”
During his college career spanning 1999 to 2002, Whitaker intercepted seven passes across 47 games for the Hokies, with five of those picks coming during the 2000 season when he appeared in 11 contests. He also handled punt return duties, bringing back 20 punts for an average of 13.7 yards per return.
Following his college career, Whitaker entered the 2003 NFL Draft but was not selected. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him as an undrafted free agent and later placed him on their practice squad. With Tampa Bay, he appeared in four games with one start, recording 12 tackles, one tackle for loss, and two pass breakups.
The Minnesota Vikings became Whitaker’s next NFL home, where he saw action in 16 games with two starts during the 2006 season and 11 games as a backup in 2007. His Vikings statistics included 31 tackles, one fumble recovery, and one pass defended.
In May 2008, the Detroit Lions signed Whitaker but released him the following month. He continued his professional career in the Canadian Football League before hanging up his cleats in 2010, according to his family.
After his playing days ended, Whitaker transitioned into coaching, serving as the defensive backs coach at Chanhassen High School in Minnesota from 2014 through 2018. He also became an entrepreneur, operating as owner and CEO of Whitaker Group, LLC, a company focused on relocation transactions and short sales, which he established in 2011.
“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,” his family shared. “He was a protector, a mentor and a source of strength and laughter to all who had the blessing of knowing him.”
Whitaker’s death occurred just one day after another former Minnesota player, receiver Rondale Moore, died at age 25.
Multiple news sources in Minnesota and Indiana reported Saturday that New Albany, Indiana Police Chief Todd Bailey confirmed Moore was discovered in a garage and died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. An autopsy was planned for Sunday.
Moore, who played collegiately at Purdue University, also had stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons during his NFL career.
