Rondale Moore Cause of Death: Minnesota Vikings WR Dies at 25

The NFL world is in mourning after Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore was found dead on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana. He was 25 years old. The Rondale Moore cause of death has since been confirmed by local authorities, sending shockwaves across the football community and reigniting urgent conversations about mental health among professional athletes.

Rondale Moore Cause of Death Confirmed

New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey confirmed: "Our investigation determined Rondale Moore died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Due to consideration for Moore's family we are not releasing specific case information."

Moore was found deceased in the garage of a property in New Albany. Since the investigation remains active, no additional details have been released. An autopsy was performed following his death to make a formal determination.

Who Was Rondale Moore?

Rondale Moore was one of the most electrifying young receivers to enter the NFL in recent years, with a college résumé that left little doubt about his potential.

During his freshman season at Purdue in 2018, Moore was a consensus All-American, Paul Warfield Trophy winner, and the CBS Sports Freshman of the Year, amassing 1,258 yards receiving, 213 yards rushing, and 14 total touchdowns.

His NFL career timeline:

Moore's best NFL season came in his third year with the Cardinals, his lone full professional season, when he gained 530 yards of total offense and scored two touchdowns.

A Career Derailed by Injuries

After being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Moore suffered a dislocated knee during training camp and never appeared in a regular-season game. In 2025, the Vikings signed him — only for another severe knee injury to end his season in the preseason. These setbacks took a toll on Moore both physically and emotionally, and friends noted how devastated he was by the latest injury.

NFL Tributes Pour In for Rondale Moore

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, who played with Moore on the Cardinals, revealed that the two had exchanged messages just hours before news of Moore's death broke.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell released a heartfelt statement. "He was a humble, soft-spoken, and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots. As a player, he was disciplined, dedicated and resilient. Despite facing adversity multiple times as injuries sidelined him throughout his career," O'Connell said.

The Vikings organization stated it has made counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need, including players, coaches, and staff.

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 and the NFL: A Broader Conversation

The Rondale Moore death has amplified calls for greater mental health awareness in professional sports. The NFL Players Association's statement strongly hinted at the cause of death and underscored a broader message: even those who appear strong may be suffering in silence, and reaching out for help is not weakness.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.