Former NFL defensive back Ronyell Whitaker dead at 46

Former NFL antiaircraft backmost Ronyell Whitaker, who played for the Minnesota Vikings for 2 seasons, has died, his household said connected Sunday. He was 46.

Whitaker’s household released a connection done the Vikings. His origin of decease was not announced.

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Ronyell Whitaker #27 of the Minnesota Vikings smiles earlier a shot crippled against the Washington Redskins connected Sept. 11, 2006 astatine FedExField successful Landover, Maryland. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

"Born connected March 19, 1979, Ronyell lived a beingness marked by passion, perseverance and purpose," the connection read. "A talented athlete, helium proudly played precocious schoolhouse shot for Lake Taylor High School successful Norfolk, Virginia, and assemblage shot for the Virginia Tech Hokies, wherever his talent, determination and enactment connected the tract made a lasting impact."

Whitaker was a standout subordinate astatine Virginia Tech earlier helium joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers successful 2003 arsenic an undrafted escaped agent. He played 4 games for the Buccaneers and bounced from the main roster and the signifier squad until 2005 erstwhile helium was waived.

He signed with the Vikings successful 2006. He played 27 games for Minnesota and had 31 tackles, a fumble betterment and a walk break-up.

Ronyell Whitaker of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers poses for his 2005 NFL headshot astatine photograph time successful Tampa, Florida.  (Getty Images)

Whitaker tried to proceed his vocation with the Detroit Lions but ne'er saw the tract for them. He besides played successful NFL Europe and was connected the roster of the Canadian Football League’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

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"His travel didn't extremity there," Whitaker’s household said. "He was a antiaircraft backs manager astatine Chanhassen High School from 2014-18 and was the CEO/Owner of privately-owned Whitaker Group, LLC, specializing successful relocation transactions and abbreviated income since 2011.

"While galore knew him for his diversion accomplishments, those closest to him knew him champion for his generous heart, unwavering loyalty and heavy emotion for his family. He was a protector, a mentor and a root of spot and laughter to each who had the blessing of knowing him."

Whitaker’s household asked for privateness successful the aftermath of his death.

Ronyell Whitaker #27 of the Minnesota Vikings tries to get by Fred Smoot #27 of the Washington Redskins during an NFL crippled astatine the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Dec. 23, 2007 successful Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Tom Dahlin/Getty Images)

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"During this incredibly hard time, we inquire for prayers, emotion and privateness arsenic our household grieves this tremendous nonaccomplishment and celebrates the beingness of a antheral who meant truthful overmuch to truthful many."

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