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NEED TO KNOW
- Former Minnesota Vikings player Ronyell Whitaker died at the age of 46 on Sunday, Feb. 22
- His family confirmed the news in a statement, which was shared by the NFL team that Whitaker joined in 2006
- The news comes one day after the sudden death of current Vikings player Rondale Moore, who reportedly died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound
The Minnesota Vikings have suffered a second loss after the sudden death of Rondale Moore.
On Sunday, Feb. 22, the NFL team confirmed that former defensive back Ronyell Whitaker has died at the age of 46.
The team shared a formal statement from Whitaker's family, which mourned the loss of a "beloved son, brother and friend" who "lived a life marked by passion, perseverance and purpose."
His family remembered Whitaker, a resident of Norfolk, Va., for his lengthy ties to football, noting that he played while attending Taylor High School and at Virginia Tech. His NFL career started when he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003.
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A representative for the team confirmed that Whitaker joined the Vikings in 2006 before joining the Detroit Lions and playing in the Canadian Football League as a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The athlete ended his professional football career in 2010 but worked as a coach at Chanhassen High School in Chanhassen, Minn. and ran Whitaker Group, LLC, which his family described as a private business.
"While many knew him for his athletic accomplishments, those closest to him knew him best for his generous heart, unwavering loyalty and deep love for his family. He was a protector, a mentor and a source of strength and laughter to all who had the blessing of knowing him," his family wrote in tribute.
They asked "for prayers, love and privacy as our family grieves this tremendous loss and celebrates the life of a man who meant so much to so many."
An official cause of death has not been confirmed by his family at this time.
A representative for the team noted that Whitaker's death came "as the Vikings family was still processing Saturday's passing of 25-year-old Rondale Moore."
In a statement, the team reported that Moore was "found deceased Saturday in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana."
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore. While we are working to understand the facts, we have spoken with Rondale's family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings. We have also been in communication with our players, coaches, and staff, and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need. Our thoughts are with Rondale's family and friends during this devastating time," the team wrote, noting that the player had joined the team as a free agent in 2025.
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Before joining the Vikings, Moore's NFL career began when he was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2021.
Details about Moore's death are still under investigation. A coroner for Floyd County, Ind. told The New York Times that an autopsy was taking place on Feb. 22.
Local media outlets such as WHAS, WAVE and the Minnesota Star Tribune reported that Moore's cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, citing New Albany's police chief, Todd Bailey.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell commented on Moore's death in a statement, saying that he was "devastated."
"While Rondale had been a member of the Vikings for a short time, he was someone we came to know well and care about deeply," his statement read. "He was a humble, soft-spoken, and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots. As a player, he was disciplined, dedicated and resilient despite facing adversity multiple times as injuries sidelined him throughout his career."
It continued: "We are all heartbroken by the fact he won't continue to live out his NFL dream, and we won't all have a chance to watch him flourish. My prayers are with Rondale's family, friends, teammates and coaches as we all deal with this tragic news."
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