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Rondale Moore, the former Purdue standout and NFL wide receiver, died Saturday at the age of 25.
Police in New Albany, Indiana – Moore’s hometown – told The Associated Press they found him in a garage with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation’s still ongoing. Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin confirmed Moore’s death and said they’d conduct an autopsy Sunday.
The Vikings released a statement after the news broke:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore. While we are working to understand the facts, we have spoken with Rondale’s family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings. We have also been in communication with our players, coaches, and staff, and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need. Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family and friends during this devastating time.
Moore’s career had been derailed by injuries over the past two seasons. He missed all of 2024 after dislocating his right knee while with the Atlanta Falcons.
Arizona selected him in the second round back in 2021. During three seasons with the Cardinals, Moore started 23 games and caught 135 passes for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns. He also carried the ball 52 times for 249 yards and another score — the Cardinals used him as a versatile weapon early in his career.
Most recently, he’d been with Minnesota.
Moore participated in the Vikings’ 2025 offseason program and made it through training camp before suffering another season-ending knee injury — this time to his left knee — while returning a punt on Aug. 9 in their preseason opener.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell released his own statement:
I am devastated by the news of Rondale’s death. While Rondale had been a member of the Vikings for a short time, he was someone we came to know well and care about deeply. He was a humble, soft-spoken, and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots. As a player, he was disciplined, dedicated and resilient despite facing adversity multiple times as injuries sidelined him throughout his career.
O’Connell added: “We are all heartbroken by the fact he won’t continue to live out his NFL dream and we won’t all have a chance to watch him flourish. My prayers are with Rondale’s family, friends, teammates and coaches as we all deal with this tragic news.”
The Cardinals said they were “devastated and heartbroken” in their own statement. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who loved him and had the privilege of knowing such a special person,” the team said in a social media post.
Former Cardinals teammate J.J. Watt posted on social media: “Can’t even begin to fathom or process this. There’s just no way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in peace Rondale.”
Moore grew up just across the Indiana border from Louisville, Kentucky, in New Albany. He burst onto the college scene as a freshman at Purdue in 2018 — earning first-team All-American honors and winning the Paul Hornung Award for the nation’s most versatile player.
That season alone showed what made him special as an all-purpose threat.
Over three seasons with the Boilermakers, Moore racked up 1,915 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 248 rushing yards and three more scores on the ground.
Louisville’s Jeff Brohm — who coached Moore at Purdue — released a statement: “Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach. The ultimate competitor that wouldn’t back down from any challenge. Rondale had a work ethic unmatched by anyone. A great teammate that would come through in any situation. We all loved Rondale, we loved his smile and competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact with. We offer all of our thoughts and prayers to Rondale and his family, we love him very much.”
