Former NFL linebacker Ronald Powell died at the age of 32 on January 15, 2024. Junior Galette, a former New Orleans Saints teammate, revealed his death on X Monday evening.
“I Love You Forever Till We Meet Again,” Galette wrote on Monday night on the social media app X. “An EXCELLENT FATHER. Respected Brother and a Loving Son.”
“I am saddened to share with the rest of the world that Ronald Powell Transitioned Earlier today. REST IN POWER RONALD POWELL.”
I Love You Forever till we meet again an EXCELLENT FATHER Respected Brother and a Loving Son I am saddened to shared with the rest of the world that Ronald Powell Transitioned Earlier today. REST IN POWER RONALD POWELL ….. pic.twitter.com/Rx9dS7J4S5
— SACKMAN LIVES (@JuniorGalette93) January 15, 2024
What Caused the Death of Ronald Powell?
The cause of Powell’s sudden death is unknown because Galette chose not to reveal specifics. Powell’s football career began at Rancho Verde High School in California, where he proved his flexibility by playing defensive end, linebacker, and tight end.
His outstanding senior year had exceptional numbers, including 13 sacks and 28 tackles for loss, earning him a five-star rating and the distinction of being the best player in his recruiting class.
Despite his early success, Powell suffered injuries, including two ruptured ACLs, during his undergraduate career with the Florida Gators. Despite these hurdles, he contributed 11 sacks, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble across three seasons.
Powell entered the 2014 NFL draft and was selected by the New Orleans Saints. However, his professional career was plagued by restricted participation, as he appeared in only 14 games.
Powell then pursued opportunities in the Alliance of American Football in 2018, wearing the Orlando Apollos jersey. Powell’s death has left a gap in the football world, and the lack of concrete details about his death exacerbates the sadness.
His journey from a highly rated high school recruit to overcoming the obstacles of injuries in college and the professional arena exemplifies the unpredictable nature of life, leaving those who knew him to remember his contributions to the sport.
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The Football World Mourns Ronald Powell’s Passing
Ronald Powell’s death sent shockwaves through the NFL and collegiate football world. Several sportsmen and supporters have expressed their condolences to his loved ones.
In the same vein, the NFLPA Former Player Fraternity has extended condolences to the former New Orleans Saints players’ families and loved ones.
“Today we mourn the loss of Ronald Powell- a father, a brother, and a son who was loved and cherished by so many,” the NFLPA Former Players Fraternity stated in a statement on social media. “We send comfort to all those who knew Ronald. #RIP”
Today we mourn the loss of Ronald Powell- a father, a brother, and a son who was loved and cherished by so many. We send comfort to all those who knew Ronald. #RIP pic.twitter.com/p4ZZLNYNTO
— NFLPA Former Players (@NFLPAFmrPlayers) January 16, 2024
Additionally, the Florida Gators issued a statement addressing Powell. Despite the injuries, Powell had a huge impact on the program during his tenure.
In a social media post, the school stated: “We’re very saddened to learn about the passing of former Gators player Ronald Powell. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
We’re very saddened to learn about the passing of former Gators player Ronald Powell.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/3a55C4cHWn
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) January 16, 2024
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Powell was a highly wanted five-star talent coming out of high school, but he fell short of expectations on both the collegiate and professional levels due to injuries.
The linebacker sustained two ruptured ACLs during his sophomore season at Florida, which hampered the rest of his career. He spent his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, and Seattle Seahawks.