2 weeks ago
21
Rondale Moore, Vikings Wide Receiver, Dead at 25
Rondale Moore’s friends and loved ones are expressing their heartbreak.
After the 25-year-old’s death from what is suspected to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Moore’s NFL peer Marquis “Hollywood” Brown—with whom Moore played on the Arizona Cardinals—shared his shock over the news.
“Bro ain’t no way,” the Kansas City Chiefs player wrote on X Feb. 21, “brotha you just messaged me few hours ago.”
Brown went on to reshare many messages of condolences regarding Moore’s death, as well as additional insight into his relationship with the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver.
“You wasn’t alone bro..” Brown wrote in an additional message. “I told you I know how you feel.”
He also shared a screenshot of a text he’d sent to Moore back in August—which was around the time the NFL player tore tearing his ACL for a second time—reminding him that even when “stuff don’t go as planned,” to remember “God is in control.”
“I’m here if you ever need to talk,” Brown added in his text. “I know how s--t it feels it sucks dawg but knowing you, you built for this don’t give up.”
The 28-year-old wrote above the screenshot, “I love you bro. I always wanted to speak life into you.”
After playing at Purdue College, Moore was selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He played on the team for three seasons before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons after sustaining multiple injuries. There, he was later placed on the team's injured reserve following a knee injury received during training.
He was eventually signed to the Minnesota Vikings ahead of the 2025 season, however he tore his ACL for a second time during the team’s first preseason game and was again placed on the injured reserve.
Photo by Minnesota Vikings
But while his time with the Vikings was short, Moore left an indelible impact on the team.
“He was someone we came to know well and care about deeply,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement shared to X Feb. 21. “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,” O’Connell continued. “My prayers are with Rondale’s family, friends, teammates and coaches as we all deal with this tragic news.”
For a closer look at Moore’s life and NFL career in photos, read on.
Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Rising Star
Moore soon became one of Purdue University's top players.
Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Number 4
It was as a Boilermaker the number 4 became Moore's signature, with the jersey number following him to the NFL.
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Big Leagues
Moore was drafted to the NFL in 2021.
Michael Owens/Getty Images
Member of the Squad
The wide receiver would play three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Sidelined
During his time on the Cardinals, Moore suffered multiple injuries.
Kara Durrette/Getty Images
A New Field
Moore was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, the team becominf the last he would play for.
If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
English (US) ·