Vikings receiver Rondale Moore dies at 25

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver rondale moore was found dead after being discovered in a garage in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana. The discovery and the ongoing death investigation have prompted statements from the Vikings, the NFL and Moore's former teams while an autopsy and coroner review proceed.

Police, coroner and scene: Saturday night discovery and hospital transfer

Police in New Albany, Indiana were called to a property on Saturday night when Moore was found inside a garage. New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey said Moore was found at that location; he was transported to an area hospital and pronounced dead less than an hour later, the Floyd County coroner’s office said. Authorities described the wound as self-inflicted, and police said they suspect he took his own life. A post-mortem examination and an autopsy were scheduled for Sunday, and a forensic autopsy was performed on Sunday, with the coroner’s office leading the death investigation in collaboration with the New Albany Police Department.

Vikings and NFL statements on Rondale Moore

The Minnesota Vikings issued a statement saying they were "deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore, " and that the club had spoken with Moore's family to offer condolences and the full support of the organization. The Vikings said they have been in communication with players, coaches and staff and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need. The NFL said it was "deeply saddened" by the "tragic passing" of Moore and sent thoughts to his family, friends and teammates.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Moore had been with the team only a short time but that they had come to know and care about him deeply. O'Connell described Moore as "a humble, soft-spoken and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots, " and added that Moore had been "disciplined, dedicated and resilient" despite injuries that had sidelined him multiple times. The Vikings coach said the organization and its members were heartbroken that Moore would not continue to pursue his NFL dream.

Career path: Purdue standout, Cardinals pick, Falcons trade and Vikings signing

Moore was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals after a standout college career at Purdue. He spent three years with the Cardinals before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024. The Falcons time was cut short after a year-ending knee injury sustained in training camp, and Moore missed the entire 2024 campaign. After extensive rehabilitation, he signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025, but he missed a second season in a row after suffering a knee injury during preseason.

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Statistics and injuries: rookie breakout, hamstring trouble and knee setbacks

After making his NFL debut in 2021, Moore had early production for the Cardinals. As a 21-year-old rookie in 2021 he caught 54 passes. Over three seasons in Arizona he made 135 catches for 1, 201 yards; other reports list those three campaigns as producing 135 catches for 1, 201 yards and three touchdowns. Hamstring injuries shortened his 2022 season, limiting him to eight games. He returned in 2023 and played in 17 games, making eight starts and catching 40 passes for 352 yards. A pair of serious knee injuries, including a dislocation of his right knee in 2024 training camp, prevented him from building on those numbers in subsequent years.

College acclaim and tributes from coaches and teammates

Moore burst onto the national scene at Purdue as a freshman in 2018, catching 114 passes for 1, 258 yards and 12 touchdowns and setting 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 in college football. His college coach, Jeff Brohm, praised Moore as "a complete joy to coach, " calling him the ultimate competitor with an unmatched work ethic and a great teammate.

Former Cardinals teammates and other NFL figures paid tribute. One former teammate, J. J. Watt, was among those offering public messages of condolence. The Arizona Cardinals issued a statement saying they were "devastated and heartbroken" and extended their deepest condolences to Moore's family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew him.

Editorial note and content warning

One report carried a warning that the story includes material some readers may find distressing and referenced themes of suicide and viewer support resources. An editor's note attached to an earlier report acknowledged that an earlier version contained a photograph of the wrong player, naming the pictured player as Myles Price rather than Rondale Moore.