Police say the ex-Purdue school star died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound in his Indiana hometown.
Printed On 22 Feb 2026
Rondale Moore, the NFL receiver who had season-ending coaching camp knee accidents in every of the final two years after a standout school profession at Purdue and a promising begin with the Arizona Cardinals, was discovered lifeless on Saturday, authorities stated. He was 25.
Police stated Moore died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. Moore was discovered lifeless within the storage of a property in his hometown of New Albany, police chief Todd Bailey stated. The demise stays below investigation.
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Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin additionally confirmed Moore’s demise. He stated an post-mortem could be carried out on Sunday.
After being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Moore dislocated his proper knee throughout coaching camp and by no means performed for them. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, however he blew out his left knee whereas returning a punt of their first exhibition recreation and spent one other full season on injured reserve. Moore was so distraught after instantly realizing the seriousness of that harm that he slammed his hand down on a cart so arduous the sound was audible all through the stadium.
The Vikings stated that they had spoken with Moore’s household to supply condolences and assist.
“I’m devastated by the information of Rondale’s demise. Whereas Rondale had been a member of the Vikings for a short while, he was somebody we got here to know properly and care about deeply,” coach Kevin O’Connell stated in an announcement distributed by the group. “He was a humble, soft-spoken, and respectful younger man who was happy with his Indiana roots. As a participant, he was disciplined, devoted and resilient regardless of dealing with adversity a number of instances as accidents sidelined him all through his profession. We’re all heartbroken by the actual fact he received’t proceed to dwell out his NFL dream and we received’t all have an opportunity to observe him flourish.”
In an announcement, the Cardinals stated they had been “devastated and heartbroken.”
“Our ideas and deepest condolences are along with his household, pals, teammates, and everybody who cherished him and had the privilege of understanding such a particular individual,” the group stated in a social media publish.
Moore grew up in New Albany, simply throughout the Indiana border from Louisville, Kentucky, and was a primary group All-American as a freshman at Purdue in 2018.
Drafted within the second spherical by the Cardinals in 2021, Moore had 1,201 receiving yards and three touchdowns plus 249 speeding yards and one rating over three seasons. He served as their major returner for kickoffs and punts as a rookie earlier than accidents pushed him away from that position.
“Can’t even start to fathom or course of this,” former Cardinals teammate J.J. Watt stated on social media. “There’s simply no manner. Approach too quickly. Approach too particular. A lot left to provide. Relaxation in peace Rondale.”
