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Rondale Moore was found dead at age 25 in New Albany, Ind. nearly one year after signing with the Minnesota Vikings.
Celebrity Deaths: 2025's Fallen Stars
The NFL has lost a bright star.
Rondale Moore, who was a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, has died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound, police told The New York Times Feb. 21. He was 25.
“I am devastated by the news of Rondale’s death,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement shared to X Feb. 21. “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,” O’Connell continued. “My prayers are with Rondale’s family, friends, teammates and coaches as we all deal with this tragic news.”
According to Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey, the pro athlete was found dead inside a garage in New Albany, Ind. Feb. 21, and an autopsy is scheduled for Feb. 22 as authorities continue to investigate Moore’s death, the Floyd County, Ind. coroner confirmed to The New York Times.
Moore dominated the field at Purdue University before being selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. After spending three seasons with the team, he sustained multiple knee injuries and was traded to the Atlanta Falcons. But he was later placed on the team's injured reserve following another knee injury in training camp.
Photo by Minnesota Vikings
The football player then signed with the Minnesota Vikings ahead of the 2025 season, only to be placed on injured reserve a second time due to a torn ACL, which he sustained during the team's first preseason game.
While Moore had a rocky start to his NFL career, his love for the game will live on.
"Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach," his college coach Jeff Brohm wrote in a Feb. 21 statement on X. "The ultimate competitor that wouldn't back down from any challenge. Rondale has a work ethic that was 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,” Brohm added. “We offer all of our thoughts and prayers to Rondale and his family, we love him very much.”
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