Rondale Moore: Former Purdue, NFL wide receiver found dead at 25
Content warning: This story contains themes of suicide.
rondale moore, the former Purdue standout and NFL wide receiver, was found dead on Saturday in a garage in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana; police say they suspect a self-inflicted gunshot wound and an autopsy is scheduled for Sunday. Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin has confirmed Moore's death and investigators say the matter remains under investigation.
Rondale Moore found in New Albany garage
Police in New Albany said Moore was discovered in a garage on Saturday and that the death is being treated as a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. The official cause of death is pending the autopsy set for Sunday. A statement from the NFL Players Association strongly hinted at the cause of the sudden passing.
From Purdue star to the NFL
Moore was a second-round pick out of Purdue in the 2021 NFL Draft and spent three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024. He missed the entire 2024 season after dislocating his right knee during training camp with the Falcons. Moore signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025 but missed a second straight season after suffering a season-ending left knee injury while returning a punt on Aug. 9 in the team's preseason opener.
In three seasons with Arizona, Moore started 23 games and caught 135 passes for 1, 201 yards and three touchdowns; he also rushed 52 times for 249 yards and one score. At Purdue, Moore was a first-team All-American as a freshman in 2018, when he recorded 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 touchdowns and added 248 rushing yards and three rushing scores.
Teams, coaches and teammates react
The NFL released a statement saying it was "deeply saddened" by Moore's passing and expressed condolences to his family, friends and teammates. The Minnesota Vikings said they were "deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore, " that they had spoken with his family and would make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said he was "devastated" and described Moore as "humble, soft-spoken, and respectful, " proud of his Indiana roots and "disciplined, dedicated and resilient despite facing adversity multiple times as injuries sidelined him throughout his career. " The Cardinals said they were "devastated and heartbroken" and extended their thoughts and deepest condolences to Moore's family, friends and teammates.
Former college coach Jeff Brohm called Moore "a complete joy to coach, " praising his competitiveness, unmatched work ethic and the way he lifted teammates. Former Cardinals teammate J. J. Watt wrote on social media, "Can't even begin to fathom or process this. There's just no way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in peace Rondale. "
Mental-health notes and resources
Commentary published alongside coverage urged anyone struggling to seek help and highlighted emergency resources: call or text 988. A November 2025 television feature quoted Jolie Foreman of Shelby County Cares saying that every suicide directly affects 130 people. One site that published commentary on the story included a disclaimer that its content and products are for entertainment purposes and listed a gambling helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER.
What happens next
Investigators continue to look into the circumstances of Moore's death. The next confirmed milestone is the autopsy scheduled for Sunday; teams have already begun offering support services to players, coaches and staff while the investigation and the coroner's review proceed.
