Rondale Moore Dead at 25 as NFL and Purdue Mourn Former Cardinals and Vikings Receiver

Rondale Moore, the former Purdue standout and NFL wide receiver who played for the Arizona Cardinals and spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons, died Saturday at age 25.

Police in Moore’s hometown of New Albany, Indiana, said he was found in a garage with a suspected self inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities said the death remains under investigation. Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin confirmed Moore’s death and said an autopsy would be conducted Sunday.

The news prompted statements from teams and coaches who worked with Moore during his football career, including the Vikings, who had Moore in their 2025 offseason program and training camp before he suffered a season ending injury in preseason. The Vikings said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore. 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.”

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Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell also released a statement reflecting on Moore’s time with the organization. “I am devastated by the news of Rondale’s death,” O’Connell said. “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.”

Moore entered the NFL as a second round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in the 2021 draft. In three seasons with Arizona, he started 23 games and became a versatile part of the offense. He caught 135 passes for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns, and he also rushed 52 times for 249 yards and one touchdown.

Arizona also issued a statement after Moore’s death, saying the organization was “devastated and heartbroken.” The Cardinals added, “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.” Former Cardinals teammate J.J. Watt reacted on social media as well, writing, “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.”

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Moore’s career was shaped by both production and injuries. He was sidelined the past two seasons and missed the 2024 season after suffering a dislocated right knee while with the Atlanta Falcons. He later joined the Vikings and participated in their 2025 offseason and training camp, but he suffered another season ending left knee injury while returning a punt on Aug. 9 in Minnesota’s preseason opener.

Before the NFL, Moore became one of the most dynamic freshman players in college football at Purdue. He was named a first team All American in 2018 and won the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player that season. Across three seasons with the Boilermakers, Moore recorded 1,915 receiving yards and 14 touchdown catches, while also rushing for 248 yards and three touchdowns.

Louisville coach Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, described the impact Moore had on teammates and staff. “Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach,” Brohm said. “The ultimate competitor that 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 competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact with. We offer all of our thoughts and prayers to Rondale and his family, we love him very much.”

Moore grew up in New Albany, just across the Indiana border from Louisville, Kentucky, and became a local and national name early in his career because of his speed and all purpose production. His death ends a football path that took him from a breakout season at Purdue to the NFL, where he remained a respected figure among teammates and coaches even as injuries disrupted his progress.

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