Rondale Moore Death: Former Purdue and NFL receiver found dead at 25
The news of rondale moore death broke Saturday when police found the former Purdue and NFL wide receiver in a garage in his New Albany, Indiana, hometown; he was 25. The manner of death and Moore’s recent run of season-ending knee injuries have prompted an investigation and drawn responses from teams, coaches and teammates.
Rondale Moore Death under investigation after garage discovery in New Albany
New Albany police chief Todd Bailey said Moore was found in the garage of a property in his hometown with a gunshot wound suspected to be self-inflicted. The death remains under investigation. Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin confirmed Moore’s death and said an autopsy would be conducted on Sunday.
Two straight season-ending knee injuries, including a punt return blowout
Moore had been sidelined the past two seasons by knee injuries. After being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, he dislocated his right knee during training camp and never played for them, missing that season. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, participated in the 2025 offseason and training camp, and then suffered a season-ending left knee injury while returning a punt in the team’s preseason opener on Aug. 9. That injury left him on injured reserve for another full season; team staff and observers said he was visibly distraught, slamming his hand down on a cart in the stadium when he realized the seriousness of the injury and making an audible sound.
Cardinals draft pick and statistical record in three NFL seasons
Drafted in the second round by the Arizona Cardinals in 2021, Moore spent three seasons with the Cardinals and started 23 games. In that span he caught 135 passes for 1, 201 yards and three touchdowns, and he rushed 52 times for 249 yards and one score. As a rookie he served as the Cardinals’ primary returner on kickoffs and punts before injuries limited that role.
Purdue accomplishments and college production recalled by coaches
Moore was a first team All‑American as a freshman at Purdue in 2018 and won the Paul Hornung Award that season as the nation’s most versatile player. Over three seasons with the Boilermakers he totaled 1, 915 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns, and he rushed for 248 yards and three touchdowns. Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, called him a complete joy to coach, an ultimate competitor with an unmatched work ethic, a great teammate who brought a smile and a competitive edge.
Teams, coaches and teammates respond; NFLPA notes and media corrections
The Minnesota Vikings said they were deeply saddened by Moore’s death, that they had spoken with Moore’s family to offer condolences and the full support of the organization, and that they had been in communication with players, coaches and staff and would make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said he was devastated, called Moore humble, soft-spoken and proud of his Indiana roots, and praised his discipline, dedication and resilience despite repeated injuries.
The Arizona Cardinals said they were devastated and heartbroken and offered their deepest condolences to Moore’s family, friends and teammates. Former Cardinals teammate J. J. Watt wrote that he could not fathom the news, calling it way too soon and saying Moore was way too special; Watt added “Rest in peace Rondale. ” Television host Scott Van Pelt also reacted to the news.
Moore’s peers noted recent contact and grief: Marquise Brown, who played with Moore for two seasons on the Cardinals, posted that he had received messages from Moore just hours earlier and shared a screenshot of an encouraging message he had sent Moore the previous August a few days after Moore’s injury. Both Kyler Murray and Kyle Pitts Sr. alluded to recent conversations with Moore. Moore served as a player representative for the NFL Players Association; the union posted a statement urging members to reach out for support if they are struggling and to check on teammates.
Editors removed an incorrect photo that had been linked to early versions of the story.
Content warning and help resources
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 for immediate help.
