Rondale Moore: Former Purdue Star and NFL Receiver Found Dead at 25 Amid Investigation into Suspected Self-Inflicted Gunshot
rondale moore, the former Purdue standout and NFL wide receiver, has died at the age of 25. Police in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana, found him on Saturday in a garage and believe he died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. The death remains under investigation and an autopsy is scheduled for Sunday, the Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin has said.
Rondale Moore: Circumstances of death and official steps
Police in New Albany say Moore was found in a garage on Saturday and that they suspect a self-inflicted gunshot wound as the cause of death. The death is under investigation, and Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin confirmed that an autopsy was scheduled for Sunday. A statement from the NFL Players Association strongly hinted at the suspected cause of the sudden passing.
Teams' responses and immediate support measures
The NFL issued a statement expressing that it was deeply saddened by Moore's death and extended thoughts to his family, friends and teammates. The Minnesota Vikings said they were deeply saddened, that they were working to understand the facts, and that they had spoken with Moore's family to offer condolences and full organizational support. The Vikings added that they had been in communication with players, coaches and staff and would make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need.
Kevin O'Connell, Cardinals and teammates react
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said he was devastated by the news and described Moore as humble, soft-spoken and respectful, proud of his Indiana roots, disciplined, dedicated and resilient despite repeated injury setbacks. The Arizona Cardinals said they were devastated and heartbroken, extending their deepest condolences to his family, friends and teammates. Former Cardinals teammate J. J. Watt was among those who posted tributes on social media.
Career timeline: College, draft and NFL stops
Moore was a second-round pick out of Purdue by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2021 NFL Draft and spent three seasons with Arizona. He was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024 and then signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025. He had been participating in the Vikings' 2025 offseason and training camp prior to suffering a preseason knee injury.
Injuries and missed seasons
Moore missed the entire 2024 season after suffering a dislocated right knee while with the Atlanta Falcons in training camp. He then missed a second season in a row after suffering a season-ending left knee injury while returning a punt on August 9 during the Vikings' preseason opener. Those consecutive seasons lost to injury were repeatedly noted in team statements about his career and resilience.
Statistics and college achievements
In three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Moore started 23 games, caught 135 passes for 1, 201 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed 52 times for 249 yards and one score during his NFL tenure with Arizona. As a freshman at Purdue in 2018 he was named a first-team All-American after recording 114 catches for 1, 258 yards and 12 touchdowns, and he won the Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player in college football. Across three seasons with the Boilermakers he totaled 1, 915 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns, while also rushing for 248 yards and three touchdowns.
Background, coaching praise and public mental-health messaging
Moore grew up in New Albany, Indiana, just across the state border from Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville coach Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, praised him as a joy to coach, an ultimate competitor with an unmatched work ethic, a great teammate and a player who brought a competitive edge to every situation.
Public reaction to Moore's death has included reminders about mental-health awareness. Commentaries connected to the coverage urged anyone struggling to reach out for help, noting that friends and family may miss signs of distress and that swift action can be critical. Call or text 988 for crisis support was recommended as an immediate resource. One feature cited a local advocate, Jolie Foreman of Shelby County Cares, saying that every suicide directly affects 130 people. A separate disclaimer accompanying one account noted that the site and products were presented for entertainment purposes, intended for adult audiences, and that anyone with a gambling problem should call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Warning: This story covers themes of suicide which some readers may find distressing. Recent updates indicate key details remain under investigation and that an autopsy is scheduled; those details may evolve as officials complete their work.
