Rondale Moore Dies at 25: Vikings Receiver Found Dead in New Albany After Repeated Knee Injuries
Rondale Moore, the 25-year-old NFL wide receiver, was found dead on Saturday in New Albany, Indiana. The death is under investigation and has prompted tributes from coaches, teammates and multiple teams; an autopsy is scheduled for Sunday.
Rondale Moore: Circumstances of death and investigation
Police in New Albany said Moore was found dead inside the garage of a property in the city. Law enforcement described the death as a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound and identified the scene and the manner as part of an ongoing investigation. Police Chief Todd Bailey said Moore was found in the garage. An autopsy has been scheduled for Sunday. Other local police statements conveyed that they suspect the player took his own life.
Career arc: college stardom to NFL promise
Moore rose to national attention as a freshman at Purdue, where he recorded 114 catches for 1, 258 yards and 12 touchdowns and earned first-team All-American honors in 2018. He won the Paul Hornung Award as college football’s most versatile player and set a Purdue record for all-purpose yardage. He chose Purdue over Texas and was widely regarded as an explosive, multi-purpose prospect by the end of 2020.
Professional timeline and injury setbacks
Drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, Moore produced an immediate impact as a 21-year-old rookie, catching 54 passes and, in his second career start, hauling in a 77-yard touchdown pass from Kyler Murray. Across three seasons in Arizona he totaled 135 catches for 1, 201 yards and three touchdowns. Hamstring injuries limited him in 2022 to eight games, and in 2023 he played 17 games with eight starts, catching 40 passes for 352 yards.
Moore was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024 and suffered a year-ending knee injury during training camp that season when he dislocated his right knee. After an extensive rehabilitation he signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025. Minnesota envisioned him as a kick returner and receiver depth, but he missed the season after suffering a second serious knee injury in two years; during the Vikings’ first preseason game he was injured on his first kick return when he was pulled abruptly to the ground, then transported by cart to the locker room, slamming the cart’s back in visible pain — details about the scene at the U. S. Bank S location are unclear in the provided context.
Reactions from coaches, teams and teammates
Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, described him as a "complete joy to coach, " an ultimate competitor with unmatched work ethic who was a great teammate, loved for his smile and competitive edge. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell called himself devastated, noting Moore had been a member of the Vikings for a short time but was known as a humble, soft-spoken and respectful young man proud of his Indiana roots. O’Connell said Moore was disciplined, dedicated and resilient despite repeated injuries and that the team is heartbroken he won’t continue to live out his NFL dream; he offered prayers for Moore’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.
The NFL issued a statement saying it was deeply saddened and extended thoughts to Moore’s family, friends and teammates. The Cardinals expressed that they were devastated and heartbroken, offering deepest condolences to Moore’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who loved him. The Vikings said they were working to understand the facts, have spoken with Moore’s family to offer condolences and full support, and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need.
Former teammates and figures from the locker room paid tribute on social media. Defensive star J. J. Watt wrote that he could not begin to fathom the news, calling the loss "way too soon" and saying Moore was "way too special, " with so much left to give. Moore was described across tributes as popular in the locker room.
Personal background and early life
Moore was born five weeks premature and became a standout in basketball, track and football in high school before earning a scholarship to Purdue. His cousin, Gino Rowen, reflected on Moore’s early emergence, saying that premature babies are thought to be the strongest because they come into the world having to fight. While at Purdue Moore acknowledged that his height was a perceived obstacle; he was listed at 5ft 7in and 181 lbs, yet impressed scouts with speed, versatility and a strong work ethic.
Editorial note and support information
An earlier version of coverage included a picture of the wrong player, Myles Price, not Rondale Moore. That error has been noted and corrected in subsequent versions of the coverage.
This story includes references to suicide and self-harm. Recent updates indicate investigators are still working to establish the full facts and the situation may evolve as the autopsy and investigation proceed. If you are affected by this story and are in the United States you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123.
