Ronald Powell, a former NFL linebacker,

died at age 32.

Ronald Powell, a former NFL linebacker, died at age 32.

The NFL Players Association announced on Tuesday that Ronald Powell, a former linebacker for the

New Orleans Saints, has passed away. His age was thirty-two.

Powell’s passing was announced on X by the NFLPA’s retired players account. His cause of death was

not stated.

We grieve the passing of Ronald Powell today. He was a beloved son, brother, and father to a large

number of people. The union commented, “We send comfort to all those who knew Ronald.

Following the Philadelphia Eagles’ season-ending collapse, Jason Kelce announces his retirement:

Powell was regarded by Rivals as the top high school football prospect, which helped him get recruited

by the University of Florida, where he spent three seasons (2010–2013) as a Gator. He was sidelined by

an ACL tear in 2021.

His college football career then led him to the NFL, where he was selected in the 2014 edition of the draft

(fifth round) by the Saints. In his rookie season, he played 14 games and tallied two tackles. Prior to the

beginning of the 2015 campaign, he was released, but was eventually placed on New Orleans’ injured

reserve after not being claimed.

Powell was signed to the Chicago Bears practice squad in September of 2016. Three months later, the

Seattle Seahawks selected Powell and added him to their practice squad. He didn’t, however, play for

either team.

Powell signed a contract with the Orlando Apollos prior to the 2019 season, however they were

terminated before the Alliance of American Football closed.