Norfolk native, former NFL defensive back Ronyell Whitaker dies at 46

Former Viking Ronyell Whitaker dies at age 46

EAGAN, Minn. – Former Vikings defensive back Ronyell Whitaker died on Sunday, February 22 according to his family. Whitaker played for the Vikings in 2006 and 2007, coached at Chanhassen High School from 2014 to 2018 and was the CEO and owner of Whitaker Group, LLC which specialized in relocation transactions and short sales since 2011. The Whitaker family didn’t say how Ronyell died in a statement shared by the Vikings. The Vikings are also mou…

Former Vikings Player Ronyell Whitaker Dead at 46 in Another Team Tragedy

Former Minnesota Vikings defensive back Ronyell Whitaker died on Sunday, February 22, just one day after the team announced the death of wide receiver Rondale Moore. “The Whitaker family is heartbroken to share the passing of our beloved son, brother and friend, Ronyell Deshawn Whitaker, who departed this life on Feb. 22, 2026,” the Whitaker family said in a statement released by the Vikings organization. Whitaker was 46 years old. No cause of d…

NFL Star Dies Suddenly At 25

NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore was found dead at his Indiana home on Saturday, officials said. He was 25. Moore died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound and was found in the garage of a property in New Albany, police chief Todd Bailey said. The death remained under investigation. Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin also confirmed Moore’s death. He said an autopsy would take place on Sunday. Moore rose to national prominence at Purdue, w…

Former Lake Taylor High and Virginia Tech football player Ronyell Whitaker dies

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)- Former Lake Taylor High and Virginia Tech football player Ronyell Whitaker has died. Whitaker's family issued a statement confirming he passed away on Sunday at the age of 46. "While many knew him for his athletic accomplishments, those closest to him knew him best for his generous heart, unwavering loyalty and deep [...]

Lake Taylor grad Ronyell Whitaker, who played for the NFL, dies at 46

Former NFL player Ronyell Whitaker, who went to Norfolk's Lake Taylor High School and played for Virginia Tech, died on Sunday, his family shared.Whitaker was raised in Norfolk college career with the Hokies. His professional football career began as an undrafted free agent signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003, and he went on to play for the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions.He ended his career in the Canadian Football League with th…

Former Lake Taylor High and Virginia Tech football star Ronyell Whitaker dies at 46

Ronyell Whitaker, a Norfolk native who starred in football at Lake Taylor High and Virginia Tech before playing in the NFL for parts of three seasons, died Sunday. He was 46. His family announced his death in a statement. No cause of death was given, and funeral arrangements have not been announced. “Ronyell lived a life marked by passion, perseverance and purpose,” his family said in the statement. “A gifted athlete, he proudly played high scho…