Rondale Moore: NFL wide receiver found dead at age of 25
Warning: this story includes themes some readers may find distressing. rondale moore, the 25-year-old former Purdue standout and NFL wide receiver, was found dead at a property in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana, and his death is under investigation.
Rondale Moore found in New Albany garage
Police in New Albany said officers were called to a property on Saturday night and found Moore in a garage; he was transferred to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead. Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin confirmed Moore's death and said an autopsy will be conducted on Sunday. One report said he was found dead at his home on Sunday, while police have described being called to the property on Saturday night.
Police say investigators suspect a self-inflicted wound
Police in New Albany said they suspect that Moore took his own life, and officers described a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. The death remains under investigation, and the scheduled autopsy is intended to clarify the cause.
NFL, Vikings and Cardinals offer condolences
The NFL said it was "deeply saddened" by the "tragic passing" of Moore. The Minnesota Vikings issued a statement saying they were "deeply saddened" and had spoken with Moore's family to offer condolences and support, and would make counseling and emotional support resources available to players, coaches and staff. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell called Moore "a humble, soft-spoken and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots, " saying the team was "heartbroken" that he would not be able to continue his NFL dream.
Career statistics and college honors
Moore was a second-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Purdue. In 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. In college at Purdue he was a first-team All-American as a freshman in 2018 after posting 114 catches for 1, 258 yards and 12 touchdowns that season and winning the Paul Hornung Award as the nation's most versatile player; across three seasons with the Boilermakers he totaled 1, 915 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns while rushing for 248 yards and three touchdowns.
Injuries and recent team moves
After three years in Arizona, Moore moved to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024 but missed the entire 2024 campaign after suffering a dislocated right knee during training camp. He signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025 and participated in the team's 2025 offseason and training camp before suffering a season-ending left knee injury on Aug. 9 while returning a punt in the preseason opener; that injury meant he missed a second straight season.
Voices remembering Moore
Former Cardinals teammates and coaches joined tributes. The Cardinals said they were "devastated and heartbroken" and extended condolences to his family, friends and teammates. Former teammate J. J. Watt wrote that he could not "begin to fathom or process this" and called it "way too soon. " Purdue coach Jeff Brohm described Moore as "a complete joy to coach, " an "ultimate competitor" with an unmatched work ethic. Broadcaster Scott Van Pelt also reacted to the news.
The investigation and the scheduled autopsy on Sunday are the next confirmed developments. The Vikings have said they will provide counseling and support for their organization while officials and investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding Moore's death.
