2026 SESSION
INTRODUCED
26108477D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 317
Offered March 6, 2026
Celebrating the life of Ronyell Deshawn Whitaker.
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Patrons—Askew, Anthony, Feggans, Glass and Hayes
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WHEREAS, Ronyell Deshawn Whitaker, a devoted son and brother, generous mentor, and beloved member of the Norfolk community, whose career as a defensive back in the National Football League brought great pride to Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth, died on February 22, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Ronyell Whitaker was a standout on the football team at Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk and went on to play for the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University football team before being signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL) in 2003; and
WHEREAS, in addition to Tampa Bay, Ronyell Whitaker's professional career included stints with the NFL's Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, as well as time in NFL Europe and with the Canadian Football League's Winnipeg Blue Bombers before he retired in 2009; and