Rondale Moore Death: Former Purdue, NFL Receiver Found Dead at 25
rondale moore death was confirmed Saturday when police found the 25-year-old former Purdue and NFL receiver in the garage of a property in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana. The discovery, and Moore’s recent history of back-to-back season-ending knee injuries, has prompted team statements and calls for mental-health outreach across the league.
Rondale Moore Death: police name Todd Bailey and coroner Matthew Tomlin; autopsy scheduled
New Albany police chief Todd Bailey said Moore was found in the garage with a gunshot wound suspected to be self-inflicted. Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin confirmed Moore’s death and said an autopsy would be conducted on Sunday. The death remains under investigation.
Two straight preseason knee injuries ended his last two seasons — Falcons in 2024, Vikings in 2025
Moore had missed two straight seasons after sustaining season-ending knee injuries during the preseasons in 2024 and 2025. He was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 and dislocated his right knee during training camp, never playing for Atlanta. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025 and blew out his left knee while returning a punt in the team’s first exhibition game, then spent another full season on injured reserve.
The reaction to the 2025 injury was immediate and visible: Moore slammed his hand down on a cart so hard the sound was audible throughout the stadium after he realized how serious the injury was.
College star at Purdue and early pro production with the Cardinals
Moore grew up in New Albany, just across the Indiana border from Louisville, Kentucky, and was a first-team All-American as a freshman at Purdue in 2018. He was drafted in the second round by the Arizona Cardinals in 2021.
Over three NFL seasons with Arizona, Moore had 1, 201 receiving yards and three touchdowns, plus 249 rushing yards and one rushing score. He served as the Cardinals’ primary returner for kickoffs and punts as a rookie before injuries curtailed that role.
Vikings, Cardinals and teammates respond; players and NFLPA push mental-health outreach
The Minnesota Vikings said they had spoken with Moore’s family to offer condolences and support. Coach Kevin O’Connell said he was devastated by the news, called Moore humble, soft-spoken and respectful, and praised his discipline, dedication and resilience despite repeated injuries; O’Connell added that the team is heartbroken Moore will not continue to pursue his NFL dream.
The Cardinals said they were "devastated and heartbroken, " offering their deepest condolences to Moore’s family, friends and teammates. Louisville coach Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, called him a complete joy to coach, an ultimate competitor with an unmatched work ethic who was a great teammate and beloved for his smile and competitive edge.
Former Cardinals teammate J. J. Watt said he could not fathom or process the news and wrote that Moore was "way too special, " adding "rest in peace Rondale. " Kansas City wide receiver Marquise Brown, who played two seasons with Moore in Arizona, said he had received messages from Moore just hours earlier and posted a screenshot of an encouraging message he had sent Moore last August a couple of days after Moore’s injury. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and Atlanta tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. also alluded to recent conversations with Moore.
The NFL Players Association, for which Moore served as a player representative, posted a statement urging members to reach out for support if they are struggling with mental health and to check on teammates.
Content warning, resources and corrections
Content warning: this story contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide and needs support now, call or text 988.
An incorrect photo that had been linked to earlier versions of the story has been removed.
