Rondale Moore: NFL wide receiver found dead at age 25 after suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound
NFL wide receiver rondale moore was found dead on Saturday in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana, and police believe he died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. The death remains under investigation, with an autopsy scheduled for Sunday. The development ends the life and career of a player who had been sidelined by injury in recent seasons.
Rondale Moore found in New Albany; investigation and official steps
Police in New Albany said Moore was discovered in a garage 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. Officials have described the death as under investigation while forensic and medical steps are completed.
Career timeline: Purdue standout to three NFL teams
Moore was a second-round pick out of Purdue in the 2021 NFL Draft and spent three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024 and later signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025. Across his three campaigns in Arizona, Moore made 135 catches for 1, 201 yards and three touchdowns. He also carried the ball 52 times for 249 yards and one score, and he started 23 games for the Cardinals.
Injuries and missed seasons
Injuries had interrupted Moore's professional trajectory. He missed the entire 2024 season after suffering a dislocated right knee during training camp with the Falcons. After signing with the Vikings, he participated in the 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, forcing him to miss a second consecutive season.
Reactions from teams, coaches and teammates
League and team officials expressed deep sadness. The NFL issued a statement expressing sorrow and extending thoughts to Moore's family, friends and teammates. The Minnesota Vikings said they were deeply saddened, that they had spoken with Moore's family to offer condolences and full support, and that counseling and emotional support resources would be made available to players, coaches and staff. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said he was devastated and described Moore as humble, soft-spoken, respectful, proud of his Indiana roots, disciplined, dedicated and resilient in the face of repeated injuries.
The Arizona Cardinals called the news devastating and heartbreaking and extended condolences to Moore's family, friends and teammates. Louisville coach Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, praised him as a complete joy to coach, an ultimate competitor with an unmatched work ethic and a great teammate. Former Cardinals teammate J. J. Watt was among those offering tributes.
College achievements and profile
Moore was a standout at Purdue. As a freshman in 2018 he was named a first-team All-American 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. By the end of 2020 he was regarded as one of the most explosive, multi-purpose wide receiver prospects entering the draft. Across three seasons with the Boilermakers, Moore totaled 1, 915 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns while rushing for 248 yards and three rushing touchdowns.
Mental health context and available resources
This coverage deals with themes of suicide that may be distressing. The NFL Players Association's statement had strongly hinted at the suspected cause of death. Public commentary on the tragedy has urged openness about mental health and quick intervention for those in distress; one noted resource for immediate help in the United States is to call or text 988. A referenced discussion of the wider impact of suicide noted that each death directly affects many other people, underscoring the broad harm that follows such losses. Recent updates indicate facts may continue to evolve as investigators complete the autopsy and additional inquiries.
