Rondale Moore: NFL wide receiver found dead at age 25; police suspect self-inflicted gunshot wound
Warning: This story covers themes of suicide which some may find distressing. If you are affected by this story, seek support from local resources or call or text 988.
Rondale Moore, the 25-year-old former Purdue standout who played in the NFL, was found dead on Saturday in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana. Police believe Moore died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound, and the death remains under investigation with an autopsy scheduled for Sunday, the Floyd County coroner Matthew Tomlin has confirmed.
Rondale Moore: how and where he was found
Police said Moore was found in a garage in New Albany on Saturday. Investigators are treating the death as a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound while the official cause of death awaits the autopsy scheduled for Sunday.
Law enforcement and coroner updates
The Floyd County coroner, Matthew Tomlin, confirmed Moore's death and that an autopsy will be conducted on Sunday. Police have said the circumstances point to a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.
NFL, teams and teammates respond
The NFL issued a statement saying it was deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Rondale Moore and extended thoughts to his family, friends and teammates. A statement from the NFL Players Association strongly hinted at the cause of his sudden passing. The Minnesota Vikings said they were deeply saddened, noted they are working to understand the facts, and confirmed they had spoken with Moore's family to offer condolences and the team's full support. The Vikings added they have been in communication with players, coaches and staff and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said he was devastated by Moore's death and described Moore as humble, soft-spoken and proud of his Indiana roots. The coach said Moore showed discipline, dedication and resilience while facing repeated injury setbacks, and that the team was heartbroken Moore will not be able to continue pursuing his NFL dream.
The Arizona Cardinals called the news devastating and heartbreaking and extended their deepest condolences to Moore's family, friends and teammates. Former Cardinals teammate J. J. Watt was among those offering tributes on social media.
Career trajectory, injuries and recent roster moves
Rondale Moore was a second-round pick out of Purdue by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2021 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Cardinals, starting 23 games, catching 135 passes for 1, 201 yards and three touchdowns, and rushing 52 times for 249 yards and one score.
Moore was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024. He missed the entire 2024 season after suffering a dislocated right knee during training camp while with Atlanta. In March 2025 he signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings and participated in the 2025 offseason and training camp, but he suffered a season-ending left knee injury while returning a punt in the team's preseason opener on August 9, causing him to miss a second consecutive season.
College legacy and tributes from former coaches
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 won the Paul Hornung Award as college football'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 rushing touchdowns.
Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, paid tribute and described Moore as a fierce competitor with an unmatched work ethic, a great teammate who brought energy and a smile to those around him.
Mental-health context and public messages
Commentary surrounding Moore's death has underscored the realities of depression and other mental-health struggles, noting that many people suffer in silence and that signs of distress are not always apparent to friends and family. The message urged anyone who is struggling to reach out to someone for help and highlighted the availability of crisis resources; calling or texting 988 was cited as a way to find immediate support.
Reflections on the wider impact of suicide included a November 2025 broadcast feature in which Jolie Foreman of Shelby County Cares said each suicide directly affects an estimated 130 people. The broader conversation emphasized being ready to give and seek help and the importance of rapid intervention when someone shows signs of distress.
Site disclaimer and additional helpline
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Details in this article are drawn from official statements and law enforcement information that have been released so far. The investigation into Rondale Moore's death is ongoing and details may evolve.
