The NFL has lost another one of its vital branches today. We, as football fans, keep losing players in untimely circumstances, and it’s difficult for the sport as a whole in this overwhelming time. This time, it’s the 32-year-old former QB for the New Orleans Saints who was taken from us too soon.

While the player couldn’t make an abundant mark in the sport with very few appearances, his family should be reassured of the fact that his death has left a void in the NFL community. His journey from a talented college player to finally making it to the NFL, a dream not a lot of athletes get to live, will continue to inspire a generation of linebackers yet to come. He was Ronald Powell, the man of the people who will live on forever.

The NFL community comes together to mourn the loss of Ronald Powell

On January 16, it was tragically announced that the former linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, Ronald Powell, had passed away. The official cause of death is not yet known, but the fans haven’t stopped wishing well for the Powell family in this distressing time. Both friends and fans of the player chimed in to express their condolences over his untimely passing.

Junior Galette, Powell’s teammate during their time with the Saints, issued a heartfelt statement. He wrote, “I love you forever till we meet again. An excellent father. Respected brother and a loving son. I am saddened to share with the rest of the world that Ronald Powell transitioned earlier today. REST IN POWER, Ronald POWELL” The world will remember his name today as the underrated talent that has gone too soon.

With all that said, let’s mark today by taking a look at Powell’s career in the football world—the world he gave his heart and soul to, and hopefully we can partly give it back to him.

The fascinating career of Ronald Powell

Powell’s career began at his roots in California, where he showed heart as a player at Rancho Verde High School. While his latter years conformed to the identity of a linebacker, he would play defensive end, linebacker, and tight end as well.

After that, Powell played for the Florida Gators during his college career. The senior was riddled with injuries during this time, namely, two torn ACL injuries. Despite these obstacles, he demonstrated courage and managed to contribute 11 sacks and 2 pass deflections over the course of three seasons.

In 2014, he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints. Though his professional career was limited to only 14 games, the news of his passing has left everyone feeling shattered. Even though he wasn’t able to record a lot of numbers on the board, his teammates and friends will always remember him as a man who never failed to lift them up during their hard times. And today, as the memory of Ronald Powell shines on, we will remember all that he stood for. The struggle of an injury-ridden athlete who played his best even when the circumstances stood against him.

Read more: “RIP”: NFL Community Pays Homage to Former Giants Legend Who Left His Mark Across 5 Franchises in a 16-Season Legacy

We will shine the light on the Powell name for years to come. Rest in peace, Ronald Powell.

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