Rondale Moore found dead at 25; autopsy scheduled after garage discovery
rondale moore was found dead on Saturday in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana, and an autopsy is scheduled for Sunday as authorities continue an investigation. The former Purdue standout and NFL wide receiver was taken from a garage to a nearby hospital and later pronounced dead.
New Albany garage discovery and police investigation
Police in New Albany were called to a property on Saturday night when Moore was located in a garage. He was transferred to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Law enforcement said they suspect a self-inflicted gunshot wound; the death remains under investigation. Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin confirmed Moore's death and said an autopsy would be conducted on Sunday.
Rondale Moore's NFL career and injuries
Moore entered the NFL as a second-round pick in the 2021 draft out of Purdue, making his debut that year. He spent three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, where he started 23 games and recorded 135 catches for 1, 201 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing 52 times for 249 yards and one score.
After three seasons in Arizona, Moore was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024. A dislocated right knee in training camp with Atlanta ended his 2024 campaign. He signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025, participated in the team's offseason program and training camp, and then suffered a season-ending left knee injury while returning a punt on August 9 in the preseason opener, missing a second straight season because of knee injuries.
Arizona Cardinals tenure and statistical record
Over his three seasons with the Cardinals, Moore completed 135 receptions for 1, 201 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He also contributed on the ground with 52 rushes for 249 yards and one rushing touchdown. The Cardinals issued a statement describing themselves as "devastated and heartbroken, " offering condolences to Moore's family, friends and teammates.
College pedigree at Purdue and awards
Moore came to the NFL after an acclaimed college career at Purdue. He was named a first-team All-American as a freshman and won the Paul Hornung Award as the nation's most versatile player. As a freshman, he compiled a season that included 114 catches for 1, 258 yards and 12 touchdowns, and across three seasons at Purdue he totaled 1, 915 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns while also rushing for 248 yards and three scores.
Minnesota Vikings, NFL and teammate reactions
The Minnesota Vikings said they were "deeply saddened" by Moore's passing and have spoken with his family to offer condolences and full support, notifying players, coaches and staff and making counseling and emotional-support resources available. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell called the news devastating and described Moore as "a humble, soft-spoken and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots, " praising his discipline, dedication and resilience in the face of repeated injuries.
The NFL released a statement saying it was "deeply saddened" by the tragic passing. Former Cardinals teammates and others paid tribute on social media; defensive lineman J. J. Watt wrote that he could not begin to fathom the news and said Moore was "way too special. " Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, called him the ultimate competitor with an unmatched work ethic and a great teammate who would come through in any situation.
Warning: this story includes themes of suicide and may be distressing to some readers. If you are affected by this information, seek support from local resources.
