VA HR317

Virginia House Resolution honoring Ronyell Deshawn Whitaker, a Norfolk native and NFL defensive back who died on February 22, 2026

Played football at Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk and Virginia Tech before being signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003

Professional career included the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, NFL Europe, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League before retiring in 2009

Served as defensive backs coach at Chanhassen High School in Minnesota from 2014 to 2018, mentoring young athletes

Later became CEO and owner of Whitaker Group, LLC, a real estate services firm specializing in relocation transactions and short sales