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Former No. 1 overall recruit Ronald Powell dies – dead at 32

January 16, 2024
by Steve DelVecchio
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Ronald Powell
Ronald Powell looks on

April 9, 2011; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Ronald Powell (7) during the first half of the Orange and Blue Spring Game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Former NFL linebacker Ronald Powell has died.

Junior Galette, who played linebacker alongside Powell with the New Orleans Saints in 2014, shared a post on social media Monday paying tribute to his ex-teammate.

“I Love You Forever till we meet again an EXCELLENT FATHER Respected Brother and a Loving Son I am saddened to shared with the rest of the world that Ronald Powell Transitioned Earlier today. REST IN POWER RONALD POWELL,” Galette wrote.

The NFL Players Association confirmed on Tuesday that Powell has died at age 32.

“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 NFLPA said in a statement.

No cause of death was given.

Powell played high school football at Rancho Verde High School in Moreno Valley, Calif. He was rated by Rivals.com as the No. 1 overall prospect at any position in the Class of 2010. Powell then played for Urban Meyer and Will Muschamp in college at Florida, but his promising career was derailed by two torn ACLs.

Despite the injury issues, Powell was selected by the Saints in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played a limited role across 14 games in his lone season with the team. Powell then went on to spend time on practice squads with a few different teams.

Powell also had a brief stint with the Orlando Apollos of the Alliance of American Football in 2018.