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

Mar. 15, 2025

Ronald Powell.Photo:Alex Menendez/Getty Images

Alex Menendez/Getty Images

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

TheNFL Players Associationannounced Powell’s death Tuesday in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

The cause of Powell’s death was not disclosed.

Ronald Powell #56 leaves the field following the New Orleans Saints rookie minicamp at the Saints training facility on May 17, 2014.Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

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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, perSports 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,” theGatorsshared on X.

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

TheSaintsalso 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.

source: people.com