Rondale Moore: Minnesota Vikings receiver found dead at 25, investigation ongoing

Rondale Moore, the 25-year-old NFL wide receiver, was found dead at his home in New Albany, Indiana, and has died after being transported to hospital. The development has prompted an active death investigation, a forensic autopsy and public tributes from his teams and coaches.

Rondale Moore: circumstances of death

Police in New Albany were called to a property on Saturday night after Moore was found inside a garage. He was transferred to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead less than an hour later. Local law enforcement indicated the presence of a self-inflicted gunshot wound when Moore was found in the garage, and investigators suspect he took his own life. The death remains under investigation.

Autopsy and investigation

A post-mortem/autopsy was scheduled for Sunday and a forensic autopsy was performed on Sunday, with the local coroner's office leading the death investigation in collaboration with New Albany police. The coroner's office release noted the pronouncement at the hospital occurred less than an hour after Moore was found. Officials have characterized the matter as an ongoing investigation.

Career timeline and injury history

Moore was a second-round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2021 NFL Draft and made his NFL debut that year. He spent three seasons in Arizona before moving on to other teams. He was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024 but missed the entire 2024 campaign after suffering a year-ending knee injury during training camp, described as a dislocation of his right knee. After extensive rehabilitation, Moore signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025. He had not played since the 2023 season, when he started eight games for the Cardinals.

Statistics, college success and on-field impact

Across his three seasons with Arizona, Moore recorded 135 catches for 1, 201 yards; one account also lists three touchdowns in that span. As a rookie in 2021, he caught 54 passes. Hamstring injuries shortened his 2022 season, limiting him to eight games. He returned in 2023 and played in 17 games with eight starts, catching 40 passes for 352 yards. At college, Moore was a standout freshman at Purdue in 2018, catching 114 passes for 1, 258 yards and 12 touchdowns and winning the Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player in college football.

Reactions from teams, coaches and peers

The Minnesota Vikings issued a statement expressing that they were deeply saddened, that they had spoken with Moore's family to offer condolences and full support, and that counselling and emotional support resources would be made available to players, coaches and staff. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell described himself as devastated, called Moore a humble, soft-spoken and respectful young man proud of his Indiana roots, and said the team was heartbroken that Moore would not continue to pursue his NFL dream.

The NFL described itself as deeply saddened by the tragic passing. The Arizona Cardinals expressed devastation and heartbreak, offering thoughts and deepest condolences to Moore's family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew him. Former coaches and teammates also offered tributes, including a statement from his college coach praising Moore's competitiveness, work ethic and value as a teammate. A former Cardinals teammate was among those who posted tributes.

What remains unclear in the provided context

Certain preseason details are incomplete in the available context: one account indicates Minnesota envisioned Moore as a kick returner who would add receiver depth, and that he was injured on his first kick return in the team’s first preseason game, but the description of that injury is unclear in the provided context. The investigation into Moore's death is ongoing and additional factual details may emerge as officials release further information.

Content warning: this story includes references to suicide and other distressing themes. If you are affected, please seek immediate professional help or community support.

An earlier version of related coverage included a photo of the wrong player, Myles Price, not Rondale Moore.