In a heartbreaking turn of events, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore has passed away in Indiana, marking another tragic moment for the NFL community. The 25-year-old was discovered with what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as reported by New Albany police chief Todd Bailey.

The New Albany Police Department issued a statement detailing the incident: “We are currently conducting a death investigation at 1611 Ekin Avenue in New Albany. Rondale Moore, aged 25, was found deceased in the garage of the property with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details are available at this time.”

In addition, the Floyd County Coroner has announced that an autopsy is scheduled to further investigate the circumstances surrounding Moore’s untimely death.

This devastating news follows closely on the heels of another NFL tragedy, with the recent death of Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland. Just last month, Kneeland took his own life after a police chase in Texas, during which he reportedly sent a farewell message to his family. Sources indicated that Kneeland had been struggling with mental health issues.

The Floyd County Coroner said an autopsy has been scheduled. 

Moore’s passing is the second sudden death to rock the NFL this season following Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland, who shot himself in the head in after evading Texas police on November 6. Kneeland, who was reportedly battling mental illness, sent his family a group text saying ‘goodbye’ during his police chase, according to 911 dispatchers in Texas. 

Moore is pictured during his time with the Arizona Cardinals, where he began his career

Moore graduated from Purdue in 2020, completing a degree in selling and sales management while earning an impressive 3.5 GPA. His college coach described him as a ‘joy’ to work with

Kansas City Chiefs star Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown said he was in touch with Moore just hours before his death. 

‘Bro ain’t no way brotha you just messaged me few hours ago,’ the Chiefs receiver posted on social media. ‘You wasn’t alone bro.. I told you I know how you feel.’

Brown and Moore were teammates on the Arizona Cardinals between 2022 and 2023.

In a team statement, the Vikings said they were ‘deeply saddened’ by the tragedy and are offering Moore’s teammates and coaches counseling and emotional support.  

Moore’s death sent shockwaves across football, where fans, players and coaches are all struggling with the tragedy. 

‘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.’

Moore’s college coach at Purdue, Jeff Brohm, described Moore as a ‘complete joy to coach.’ 

‘The ultimate competitor that would never back down to any challenge,’ said Brohm, who now coaches Louisville. ‘Rondale has a work ethic that was unmatched by anyone.’

‘A great teammate that would come through in any situation. We all loved Rondale and 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 and we love him very much!!!’ 

A young Rondale Moore is pictured alongside his mother, Quincy Ricketts, in this photo 

Rondale Moore (pictured) was a ‘complete joy to coach’ according to Purdue’s Jeff Brohm

Retired NFL star and current TV analyst JJ Watt also reacted on X, writing he ‘can’t even begin to fathom or process this.’ 

‘There’s just no way,’ Watt added. ‘Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give.

‘Rest in Peace Rondale.’

Moore was the 2017 Gatorade Kentucky Player of the Year at Louisville’s trinity high school, where he became one of the most coveted recruits in the country.

The diminutive wideout stood just 5ft7, but still succeeded at Purdue, winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Receiver of the Year honors in 2018. Moore graduated from Purdue in 2020, completing a degree in selling and sales management while earning an impressive 3.5 GPA.

In 2021, the Arizona Cardinals picked Moore in the second round of the NFL Draft. He would go on to play for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 before signing a one-year, $2 million with Minnesota before the 2025 season. 

Moore’s final season took an unfortunate turn in August when he suffered a season-ending knee injury during a preseason game against the Houston Texas. It marked the second consecutive year his season was cut short by injury. 

JJ Watt reacted to the news of Rondale Moore’s passing soon after Saturday’s tragedy 

Moore’s college coach at Purdue, Jeff Brohm, described Moore as a ‘complete joy to coach’

Shortly after news of Moore’s death was confirmed, Raiders star Maxx Crosby told a poignant story about playing against the receiver in college.

‘I hate to be doing this – rest in peace Rondale Moore,’ said Crosby, who played collegiately at Eastern Michigan. ‘It sucks having to do this after he’s not here. I know it’s so fresh but it’s just on my mind.

‘I played this man in college – we went to Purdue and played the Boilermakers on their field and I remember playing against Rondale Moore and I was like: that’s the coldest dude I’ve ever been on the field with up to that point. He was like Tyreek Hill in college.’

Crosby continued: ‘I still might have the messages, I was sending to [ex-Raiders GM] Mike Mayock the next year [when] he went to the draft: we need Rondale Moore, this dude is Tyreek Hill.

‘But God, bro. Check on your people – too much hate in this world. Stay positive, it’s unbelievable, I’m sending out prayers to his whole family and everybody going through it. ‘