The Vikings family suffered another loss on Sunday.
Former defensive back Ronyell Whitaker has died at the age of 46. announced the organization.
No cause of death has been revealed.
Whitaker spent two seasons with the Vikings during his NFL career, appearing in 27 games from 2006 to 2007, recording 31 tackles.
Ronyell Whitaker of the Minnesota Vikings attempts to get around Fred Smoot of the Washington Redskins during an NFL game at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, December 23, 2007. Getty Images
In a statement released by the team, Whitaker’s family said they were heartbroken, while describing the former NFL player as someone who had lived “a life marked by passion, perseverance and purpose.”
Advertisement
“While many knew him for his athletic accomplishments, those closest to him knew him best for his generous heart, his unwavering loyalty and his deep love for his family,” the family’s statement read. “He was a protector, a mentor and a source of strength and laughter to all who were lucky enough to know him.
“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask for prayers, love and privacy as our family mourns this immense loss and celebrates the life of a man who meant so much to so many.”
Whitaker’s family said funeral arrangements and memorial details would be released in the coming days.
The former defensive back had played college football at Virginia Tech and later signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2003.
Advertisement
He appeared in four games during his rookie season and joined the Vikings in 2006.
Ronyell Whitaker of the Minnesota Vikings poses for his 2007 NFL portrait. Getty Images
Whitaker spent the 2008 offseason with the Lions and finished his career in the Canadian Football League.
Whitaker spent time as the defensive backs coach at Chanhassen High School from 2014 to 2018 and was CEO/owner of Whitaker Group, LLC since 2011, according to his family.
His death comes as the Vikings are already facing another tragedy.
“The tragic news came less than a month before Whitaker turned 47 and while the Vikings family was still processing Death of Rondale Moore, 25, on Saturday” the organization said in a statement.
Police said Moore died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in Indiana.
