Former New Orleans Saints LB Ronald Powell Passes Away at 32

On Tuesday, the NFL Players Association announced that the former New Orleans Saints linebacker Ronald Powell passed away at 32.

The NFLPA did not provide further details about how Powell died.

Powell Dies at 32

NFLPA wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "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."

Powell's former college football teammate, Junior Galette, also expressed his sadness over Powell's passing in a social media post. He said, "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."

According to Daily Mail Online, the Florida Gators football program posted their tribute to Powell. The football program shared that they were saddened to hear about the passing of former Gators player Powell.

The football program extended their thoughts and prayers for his family and loved ones. Powell's passing has left a void in the football community, and the lack of specific details surrounding his death adds to the sorrow.

New Orleans Saints Rookie Minicamp — (Photo : Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
METAIRIE, LA - MAY 17: Ronald Powell #56 participates in drills during the New Orleans Saints rookie minicamp at the Saints training facility on May 17, 2014 in Metairie, Louisiana.

Powell's Remarkable Football Journey

In the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Powell was selected by the New Orleans Saints. He played 14 times for the team in his rookie season.

Powell told The Times-Picayune in 2014 about getting a call from the Saints after he was selected. He shared that it was a wonderful feeling to get a call from Sean Payton, the head coach for the NFL.

He added that playing with the Saints would be a great experience and a chance to go to the playoffs and compete for a championship every year.

Powell praised the Saints for having a good mentality that defensive players want to play for, so he said he was on board.

Furthermore, he briefly played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, and Chicago Bears. However, he never returned to the NFL after leaving New Orleans.

Powell, a five-star recruit out of high school who ranked first in the 2010 class out of Rancho Verde High School in California, signed a contract with the Florida Gators. He had 18.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks with the Florida Gators, earning him a five-star status and the distinction of being the top player in his recruiting class.

Despite a number of injuries at college, Powell was selected by the Saints. He had a strong first season until being cut in September 2015.

In 2019, Powell was signed by the Orlando Apollos of the former AAF after bouncing around NFL practice squad rosters. However, he did not participate in a single game and was waived before the season began.