Rondale Moore Death: Former Purdue Star and NFL Receiver Found Dead in New Albany at 25, Teammates Urge Focus on Mental Health

The news of the Rondale Moore death landed as a shock to the football community: Moore, 25, was found dead Saturday in the garage of a property in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana. Police said the death was a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound, and investigators have said the matter remains under investigation.

Content warning: this article contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for support.

Rondale Moore Death: Circumstances and official steps

New Albany police chief Todd Bailey said Moore was found in a 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. Authorities have characterized the death as under investigation and indicated details may evolve as that work continues.

Injury history and career arc

Moore’s professional trajectory had been repeatedly interrupted by season-ending knee injuries in back-to-back preseasons. After a standout college career at Purdue — where he was a first-team All-American as a freshman in 2018 — Moore was drafted in the second round by the Arizona Cardinals in 2021. Over three seasons with the Cardinals he totaled 1, 201 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns, along with 249 rushing yards and one rushing score, and served as the primary returner for kickoffs and punts as a rookie before injuries shifted his role.

He was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, dislocating his right knee during training camp and never appearing in a game for them. Moore signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, then blew out his left knee while returning a punt in the Vikings’ first exhibition game and spent another full season on injured reserve. The immediate reaction to that injury was visceral; Moore was described as so distraught on realizing the severity that he slammed his hand down on a cart with a sound audible throughout the stadium.

Teams, coaches and teammates react to Rondale Moore death

The Vikings said they had spoken with Moore’s family to offer condolences and support. Coach Kevin O’Connell said he was devastated by Moore’s death and described Moore as humble, soft-spoken and respectful, proud of his Indiana roots and a player who had been disciplined, dedicated and resilient despite repeated injuries sidelining his career. O’Connell said the team was heartbroken that Moore would no longer be able to pursue his NFL dream or show how he might have continued to flourish.

The Cardinals said they were devastated and heartbroken and expressed their deepest condolences to Moore’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew him. Jeff Brohm, who was Moore’s coach at Purdue, praised Moore as a complete joy to coach, an ultimate competitor with an unmatched work ethic and a great teammate who brought a smile and competitive edge everywhere he went.

Former Cardinals teammate J. J. Watt reacted with disbelief and sorrow, calling the news unfathomable and saying there was so much left to give. Several current and former teammates alluded to recent conversations with Moore: Marquise Brown, who played two seasons with Moore on the Cardinals, said he had received messages from Moore just hours earlier and shared an encouraging message he had sent last August after Moore’s injury. Both Kyler Murray and Kyle Pitts Sr. alluded to recent conversations with Moore as well.

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.

Immediate next steps and unresolved items

The Floyd County coroner’s planned autopsy is the next formal step in the investigation. Authorities have said the death remains under investigation and that details may evolve. An incorrect photo that had been linked to early coverage has been removed.

Why this matters and what to watch for

Moore’s death amid recurring, career-altering injuries has prompted public discussion among players and officials about mental-health support and teammate check-ins. In the days ahead, investigators’ findings from the autopsy and any further statements from family, teams and the players’ association will clarify unanswered questions. For now, teammates and coaches have emphasized condolences and calls for awareness of mental health among players facing repeated setbacks.