Ronald Powell: A Tribute to the Former Florida Gators Linebacker

Gator Nation received heartbreaking news on Monday after the announcement that Ronald Powell passed away at the age of 32.

Powell spent three seasons at Florida (2010-13) after joining the program as the No. 1 ranked high school prospect, according to Rivals.com. He finished his time with the Gators totaling 79 total tackles, 18.5 tackles-for-loss and 11 sacks over the course of 53 games in the Orange & Blue.

Following the 2013 season, Powell entered the NFL Draft, in which the New Orleans Saints selected him in the fifth round. His time in the NFL did not quite pan out as he hoped, although he did see action in 14 games during his rookie season before hitting the IR ahead of his second year in the league.

He was eventually waived and proceeded to spend time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears practice squads as well as a short stint in Seattle. Powell last played professional football with the Orlando Apollos of the Alliance of American Football before the league halted operations in 2019.

"It blows your mind," Urban Meyer said of Powell's passing in a conversation with Buddy Martin. "A young, healthy, great-looking young.

Meyer recruited Powell and coached him for a season before retiring.

"[He was a] great, great player...[and] an awesome person," Meyer added. "Loved to be around him...It's heartbreaking."

As of now, there have been no details released about Powell's death. GatorBaitMedia.com will continue to provide updates as they become available.