Rondale Moore found dead at 25 — rondale moore
rondale moore, the 25-year-old wide receiver who played in the NFL after a standout career at Purdue, was found dead in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana. Police discovered him in a garage after being called to a property on Saturday night; he was transferred to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead, and an autopsy or post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place on Sunday.
Discovery and early timeline
Police in Moore's hometown of New Albany, Indiana were called to a property on Saturday night, when Moore was found in a garage. New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey said Moore was found dead inside the garage of a property in the city. The American was transferred to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police are currently investigating the death. Police in New Albany told The that Moore was found in a garage with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin confirmed Moore's death and said an autopsy would be conducted on Sunday. One account said he was found on Saturday; another said he was found at his home on Sunday.
Team statements and support
Major organizations and teams issued statements after Moore's death. The Minnesota Vikings said: "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 counselling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need. Our thoughts are with Rondale's family and friends during this devastating time. " The NFL said it was "deeply saddened" by the "tragic passing" of Moore. The Arizona Cardinals said they were "devastated and heartbroken by today's news, " and offered "thoughts and deepest condolences" to his family, friends and teammates.
Kevin O'Connell's statement
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell released a statement that read in part: "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. 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. "
Rondale Moore's career highlights
Moore was an instant star at Purdue and drew national attention as a freshman in 2018. That season he caught 114 passes for 1, 258 yards and 12 touchdowns and set a Purdue record for all-purpose yardage; he was named a first team All-American and won the Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player. Over three seasons with the Boilermakers, Moore had 1, 915 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns, while rushing for 248 yards and three touchdowns.
NFL statistics and injuries
Drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, Moore made his NFL debut in 2021 as a 21-year-old rookie and caught 54 passes that season. Over three seasons with the Cardinals he started 23 games, caught 135 passes for 1, 201 yards and three touchdowns, and also rushed 52 times for 249 yards and one score. Hamstring injuries shortened his 2022 season to eight games. In 2023 he played in 17 games with eight starts and caught 40 passes for 352 yards.
Recent club moves and final injuries
Moore joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 but suffered a dislocated right knee in training camp and missed the entire 2024 campaign. After extensive rehabilitation he signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings for the 2025 season. Minnesota had envisioned him as a kick returner and receiver depth, but on his first kick return in the team's first preseason game he was pulled abruptly to the ground and felt immediate pain; a cart transported him to the locker room and he slammed the back of the cart loudly enough for it to be heard throughout U. S. Bank S— unclear in the provided context. 's account notes that he suffered a season-ending left knee injury while returning a punt on Aug. 9 in the team's preseason opener. One account also noted he had not played since the 2023 season, when he started eight games for the Cardinals.
Voices remembering Moore
Jeff Brohm, Moore's college coach at Purdue, wrote: "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. " Former Cardinals teammate J. J. Watt wrote: "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. "
Investigations into the circumstances of his death are ongoing and officials have scheduled an autopsy or post-mortem examination for Sunday. Moore was 25 years old.
