The NFL world is reeling following the sudden and tragic death of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore. The 25-year-old was found deceased on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana.
According to reports from the Floyd County Coroner and New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey, Moore was found in a garage in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana. Authorities have stated that the preliminary investigation suggests a suspected self-inflicted g*nsho*t wound. An autopsy was scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2025, to confirm the official cause of death.
“I am devastated by the news of Rondale’s death,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “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. 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. My prayers are with Rondale’s family, friends, teammates and coaches as we all deal with this tragic news.”
NFL Stars’ Reaction to Rondale Moore’s Death
“:(,” Shedeur Sanders posted.
“RIP Rondale Moore 🙏🏿… I’m lost for words,” Dez Bryant wrote.
“RIP Rondale Moore 🙏🏾 Heartbroken for your family, friends, & teammates 🤍🕊️,” Russell Wilson wrote.
“Bro ain’t no way brotha you just messaged me few hours ago. 😢 You wasn’t alone bro.. I told you I know how you feel.” Hollywood Brown wrote.
“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.” JJ Watt wrote.
“RIP Rondale Moore,” Maxx Crosby posted.
“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.” the NFL said in a statement.
“Rest in peace, Rondale Moore. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rondale’s family and friends,” Atlanta Falcons posted.
Rondale Moore’s College Career
In his freshman college season at Purdue in 2018, Moore appeared in all 13 games (10 starts), recording 114 receptions for 1,258 yards and 12 TDs, 21 rushes for 213 yards and two TDs, 33 kickoff returns for 662 yards, and 12 punt returns for 82 yards, totaling a school-record 2,215 all-purpose yards; he earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Wide Receiver of the Year, and Paul Hornung Award honors.
Limited by injury in 2019 at Purdue, he started four games with 29 receptions for 387 yards and two TDs, plus nine kickoff returns for 151 yards, earning Academic All-Big Ten recognition.
Moore played just three games in 2020 at Purdue before injuries and opting out amid COVID, with minimal stats recorded. The Indiana-native finished his college career with 178 receptions for 1,915 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Rondale Moore’s NFL Career
The Arizona Cardinals drafted Rondale Moore at No. 49 overall in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He inked his four-year rookie contract with the franchise on June 9, 2021.
In his NFL rookie year (2021) with the Arizona Cardinals, he played 14 games with 54 receptions for 435 yards (8.1 avg, 77 long) and one TD, 18 rushes for 76 yards, 13 kickoff returns for 291 yards (22.4 avg), and 21 punt returns for 171 yards (8.1 avg), fumbling three times (one lost).
For the 2022 Cardinals season, Moore appeared in eight games with 41 receptions for 414 yards (10.1 avg, 38 long) and one TD, six rushes for -5 yards, plus limited returns.
In 2023 with Arizona, he played a career-high 17 games, posting 40 receptions for 352 yards (8.8 avg, 48 long) and one TD, 28 rushes for 178 yards (6.4 avg, 45 long) and one TD, one punt return for 11 yards, and one fumble recovered by the team.
Moore did not play in 2024 after a March trade to the Atlanta Falcons (for QB Desmond Ridder), sidelined by a knee injury in training camp.
Signed by the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025, he again missed the season due to a preseason knee injury.
