Ronyell Whitaker

Ronyell Deshawn Whitaker (March 19, 1979 – February 21, 2026) was an American professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies and was signed by the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2003. Whitaker played for the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, and the Canadian Football League (CFL)'s Winnipeg Blue Bombers before retiring from professional football in 2010.

Early life Ronyell Whitaker was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on March 19, 1979, the son of Sylvonia Whitaker and Woodrow Mitchell. Ronyell is the nephew of Hall Of Fame boxer Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker.

In 2006, he led NFL Europe in interceptions and defensive touchdowns, with 141 return yards and two touchdowns, and was named to the All NFL Europe team. In one of his games in the NFLE in 2006, his 100-yard interception return for a score was his team's sole touchdown of the game. On February 6, 2007, the Vikings released him after 2 seasons.

Whitaker spent a brief stint with the Detroit Lions (NFL) before being released just after the end of the 2008–2009 season. Whitaker then signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. He was released on June 25, 2009.

Career after football , Whitaker was back in Minnesota, CEO and owner of privately owned Whitaker Group LLC, Minneapolis–Saint Paul area real estate team, specializing in relocation transactions for the Vikings, as well as short sales.

Death Whitaker died on February 21, 2026, at the age of 46. He died of a brain aneurysm.