Rondale Moore: NFL wide receiver found dead at age 25
rondale moore, the former Purdue star and NFL wide receiver, was found dead on Saturday in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana; police say they suspect he took his own life and an autopsy is scheduled for Sunday.
Rondale Moore found in New Albany garage
Police in New Albany, Indiana said Moore was found in a garage on Saturday and that investigators suspect a self-inflicted gunshot wound; Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin confirmed Moore's death and said an autopsy would be conducted on Sunday.
Police and union statements point to a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound
The statement from the NFL Players Association strongly hinted at the cause of the sudden passing, and local police described the wound as a suspected self-inflicted gunshot. The death remains under investigation as the autopsy is completed on Sunday.
Teams, coach and league offer condolences
The NFL said, "The NFL is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Rondale Moore. Our thoughts are with Rondale's family, friends and teammates during this difficult time. " The Minnesota Vikings released a statement that mirrored that sentiment: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore, " and said the team had spoken with his family, offered condolences and planned to make counseling and emotional support resources available to players, coaches and staff.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said he was "devastated" and added, "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. "
The Arizona Cardinals said they were "devastated and heartbroken by today's news concerning Rondale Moore, " and former Cardinals teammate J. J. Watt posted on social media: "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. "
Career and injuries: from Purdue to the Vikings
Moore was a second-round pick out of Purdue in the 2021 NFL Draft and spent three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024. 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.
He missed the entire 2024 campaign after suffering a dislocated right knee while with the Atlanta Falcons during training camp, and he then signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025. Moore most recently participated in the Vikings' 2025 offseason and training camp but suffered a season-ending left knee injury while returning a punt on Aug. 9 in the team's preseason opener, causing him to miss a second season in a row.
College background and tributes from coaches
Moore was a standout at Purdue, named a first-team All-American as a freshman in 2018 after recording 114 catches for 1, 258 yards and 12 touchdowns and winning the Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player in college football. Across three seasons with the Boilermakers he totaled 1, 915 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, while also rushing for 248 yards and three touchdowns.
Louisville coach Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, said Moore was "a complete joy to coach, " praising his work ethic, competitiveness and team-first nature.
Mental-health reminders and next steps
Coverage of Moore's death has included broader calls to seek help for mental-health struggles. Commentary accompanying the coverage urged anyone who is struggling to speak up and noted that if immediate help is needed, people can call or text 988. A November 2025 60 Minutes feature quoted Jolie Foreman of Shelby County Cares saying that every suicide directly affects 130 people.
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The immediate next confirmed step is the autopsy scheduled for Sunday, which officials have said will determine the official cause of death.
