Rondale Moore: Former Purdue star and NFL receiver found dead at 25

This story contains themes of suicide which some may find distressing. NFL wide receiver rondale moore was found dead on Saturday in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana, and police say they suspect he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound; an autopsy was scheduled for Sunday, Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin said.

Rondale Moore found in New Albany garage

Police in New Albany said Moore was found on Saturday in a garage with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound, and the death remained under investigation, on the scene. The Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin confirmed Moore's death and that an autopsy would be conducted on Sunday.

Autopsy scheduled for Sunday; police cite suspected gunshot wound

The NFL Players Association issued a statement that strongly hinted at the cause of Moore's sudden passing, and authorities have listed the likely manner of death as a self-inflicted gunshot wound while the investigation continues. Police and the coroner have identified the location as New Albany, Indiana, and are awaiting autopsy results scheduled for Sunday.

Career cut short by consecutive knee injuries

Moore, 25, was a second-round pick out of Purdue in the 2021 NFL Draft and spent three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, where he made 135 catches for 1, 201 yards and three touchdowns in those campaigns. He was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024 and missed the entire 2024 season after suffering a dislocated right knee in 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 a season-ending left knee injury while returning a punt on Aug. 9 in the Vikings' preseason opener.

Teams, coaches and peers react

The NFL said it was "deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Rondale Moore" and extended 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 that counseling and emotional support resources would be made available to players, coaches and staff.

Kevin O'Connell, Cardinals and former coaches remember him

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said he was "devastated" and called Moore a "humble, soft-spoken, and respectful young man" who was proud of his Indiana roots and had been "disciplined, dedicated and resilient" despite repeated injuries. The Cardinals said they were "devastated and heartbroken, " offering their deepest condolences to Moore's family, friends and teammates. Louisville and Purdue coach Jeff Brohm praised Moore as a "complete joy to coach, " an "ultimate competitor" with an unmatched work ethic and a teammate who would "come through in any situation. " Former Cardinals teammate J. J. Watt wrote on social media, "Can't even begin to fathom or process this. "

College accolades and career totals

Moore was a first-team All-American as a freshman at Purdue in 2018 after recording 114 catches for 1, 258 yards and 12 touchdowns that season and winning the Paul Hornung Award as the nation's most versatile player. By the end of 2020 he was considered one of the most explosive multi-purpose wide receiver prospects entering the NFL. Across three seasons at Purdue he totaled 1, 915 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns while also rushing for 248 yards and three rushing touchdowns. In the NFL he also rushed 52 times for 249 yards and one touchdown during his time with Arizona.

Public reaction and reminders about help

Coverage and commentary around Moore's death included reminders about mental-health resources. Commentators urged anyone struggling to seek help and noted the national crisis of suicide; one piece referenced a November 2025 60 Minutes feature in which Jolie Foreman of Shelby County Cares said every suicide directly affects 130 people. Officials and advocates reminded readers that help is available and encouraged people in crisis to call or text 988 for support.

Investigators have identified the scene and scheduled an autopsy for Sunday; police in New Albany continue their inquiry and teams have said they are offering support to Moore's family, teammates and staff as the community awaits the autopsy results.