NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore has died at the age of 25.
Police in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana said Moore was found dead on Saturday, and they suspect that the player took his own life.
His death remains under investigation, with an autopsy scheduled to be conducted on Sunday.
“The NFL is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Rondale Moore. Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family, friends and teammates during this difficult time,” said the NFL in a statement.
Moore was a second-round pick out of Purdue for the Arizona Cardinals at the 2021 NFL Draft, spending three years with the team before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024.
He missed the entire 2024 campaign after suffering a year-ending knee injury during training camp, before signing a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025.
Moore would go on to miss a second season in a row after suffering a knee injury during preseason.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore,” the Vikings said in a statement. “While we are working to understand the facts, we have spoken with Rondale’s family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings. We have also been in communication with our players, coaches, and staff, and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need. Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family and friends during this devastating time.”
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell added that he was “devastated” by the news of Moore’s death.
“While Rondale had been a member of the Vikings for a short time, he was someone we came to know well and care about deeply,” said coach O’Connell in a 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. We are all heartbroken by the fact he won’t continue to live out his NFL dream and we won’t all have a chance to watch him flourish.”
Moore made 135 catches for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns during his three campaigns in Arizona.
“We are devastated and heartbroken by today’s news concerning Rondale Moore,” the Cardinals said in a statement. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who loved him and had the privilege of knowing such a special person.”
Moore was a standout first-team All-American as a freshman at Purdue in 2018 after racking up 114 catches for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns to win the Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player in college football.
By the end of 2020 he was one of the most explosive and highly-regarded multi-purpose wide receiver prospects heading into the NFL Draft.
“Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach,” Louisville coach Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, said on social media. “The ultimate competitor who wouldn’t back down from any challenge. Rondale had a work ethic unmatched by anyone. A great teammate that would come through in any situation. We all loved Rondale; we loved his smile and his competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact.”
Former Cardinals teammate J.J. Watt was among the tributes on social media.
“Can’t even begin to fathom or process this,” said Watt. “There’s just no way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in peace Rondale.”
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