Born in New Orleans, Ronnie Haliburton moved to Port Arthur in 1972 at the age of four. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1986. He played football (tight end) and basketball (center) for Lincoln High School, going to two state championships in basketball and to the playoffs in football. He was also chosen to play in the state All-Star game in football.
 
Haliburton played tight end for four years at LSU, going to the Sugar Bowl in 1987, the Gator Bowl in 1988, and the Independence Bowl in 1989. He was drafted as an end by the Denver Broncos in 1990. Coach Dan Reeves, finding he had seven tight ends in training camp, asked Haliburton to play linebacker.
 
Ronnie made the final roster in that position and played for the club for three years. Although he was on the injured reserve with a knee injury in 1991 and with a neck injury for all of 1992 season, he played in 17 games. He also contributed on special teams for the Broncos.
 
Haliburton joined the Canadian Football League in 1994, playing for the Shreveport Pirates. He is currently an assistant director of athletics and facility manager at LSU, a position he has held since 2007.