Ronald Powell, Former New Orleans Saints Linebacker, Dead at 32: 'Cherished by So Many'

Powell played for the University of Florida before he was drafted by the Saints in 2014

Ronald Powell, a former linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, has died. He was 32.

The NFL Players Association announced Powell's death Tuesday in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as 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. #RIP,” the association wrote.

The cause of Powell’s death was not disclosed.

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Powell played three seasons for the University of Florida's Gators from 2010 to 2013, missing the 2012 season due to an ACL injury, Fox Sports reported. During his time with the team, he accumulated 11 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss, per Sports Illustrated.

“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,” the Gators shared on X.

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Powell was selected in the fifth round by the Saints in the 2014 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he played 14 games and had two tackles, according to Fox Sports. He was released prior to the 2015 season but was later placed on the Saints’ injured reserve after being unclaimed.

He had been on the practice squads for other teams over the years before being out of the NFL, Sports Illustrated reported. Powell later hooked up with the Orlando Apollos of the Alliance of American Football in 2019 before that league folded.

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The Saints also acknowledged Powell’s death. “We’re very saddened to learn about the passing of former Saint Ronald Powell,” the team wrote on X. “We send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Junior Galette, Powell’s former teammate with the Saints, shared a tribute on X. “I Love You Forever till we meet again 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,” he posted.

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