The New Orleans Saints concluded their 2023 NFL journey with a whopping 48-17 win against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18’s season finale. Despite being on a two-game winning streak, their early performance cost them in the latter phase. The team’s season ended with nine wins and eight losses before getting out of the playoff race.
While the Saints squad is now out of the limelight following their season end, one of their former players suddenly hit the headlines. Ronald Powell, once a veteran linebacker of the Saints, died at a very young age.
Ex-Saints LB Ronald Powell dies at 32
Ronald Powell passed away at the young age of 32 on Monday, Jan. 15. The news of his untimely demise sent shockwaves through the sports world while leaving many in disbelief over the loss.
The NFL Players Association’s Former Players Fraternity officially confirmed the heartbreaking news on Tuesday, expressing their grief and extending empathy to Powell’s family. Their heartfelt message concluded with a solemn “Rest in peace”.
“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. [Rest in peace].”
The Florida Gators Football team, for whom Powell played as a linebacker, also shared their sorrow and condolence for his family on social media in an X post.
“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.”
Ronald Powell’s journey into football began when he signed with Florida as a five-star recruit in the class of 2010 from Rancho Verde High. His stellar performance endeared him to fans and solidified his place as a standout player in the Gators’ history. The recently-late player recorded an impressive 57 total tackles along with seven sacks as well as 9.5 tackles for loss over his first two seasons in Florida.
What caused Ronald Powell to pass away?
The news of Ronald Powell’s death was first revealed by one of his ex-teammate, Junior Galette. The cause of his untimely death remains shrouded in mystery, as Galette didn’t provide details about that.
Powell’s journey in the NFL began in 2014 when he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round. His selection came after a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for running back Darren Sproles.
Despite a promising start, the veteran’s career in the league was cut short due to a knee injury. His rookie season with the Saints, where he played in 14 games, marked both the beginning and end of his NFL success.
After getting released prior to the 2015 season, the former NFL star faced the challenges of going unclaimed and was later placed on the Saints’ injured reserve. He tried to revive his career and had stints on practice squads for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears. However, all the efforts went in vain and his time in the NFL came to an end by 2017.
In 2019, Ronald Powell found an opportunity with Orlando Apollos in the Alliance of American Football. Unfortunately, his journey with the team was short-lived, as he was waived before the league ceased operations.
