NFL Wide Receiver Rondale Moore Dies at 25

Rondale Moore, a wide receiver who played in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, has died at the age of 25. The tragic news broke on Saturday, February 22, 2026, with authorities investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Details of the Incident

According to New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey, officers responded to a call at a home on Aiken Avenue in New Albany, Indiana, where Moore was found dead in the garage. Investigators believe the death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. WLKY and Arizona Central reported on the initial findings.

The Floyd County Coroner’s Office has scheduled an autopsy to determine the official cause of death. 6ABC confirmed the autopsy.

Moore’s Football Career

Moore was a standout athlete at New Albany High School, excelling in three sports. He led Trinity High School to the 2016 Class AA Football State Championship. He was named the 2017 Gatorade Player of the Year before attending Purdue University, where he became an All-American under head coach Jeff Brohm.

He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. After three seasons with the Cardinals, he was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 but suffered a knee injury during training camp and never played for the team. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, but again sustained a knee injury – tearing his ACL in the first preseason game – which sidelined him for the entire season.

Reactions and Tributes

Jeff Brohm, Moore’s former head coach at Purdue, expressed his devastation, describing Moore as “a complete joy to coach” and “the ultimate competitor.” He praised Moore’s function ethic and his positive impact on those around him.

Former teammates also shared their grief. Marquise Brown, a former teammate, posted a heartbroken message on social media, noting he had been in contact with Moore just hours before the news broke. Minnesota Vikings also released a statement expressing their sadness and offering condolences to Moore’s family. WLKY reported on these reactions.

Players like Kyler Murray, James Conner, and J.J. Watt also shared tributes on social media, expressing their shock and sadness at the loss.

Ongoing Investigation

The New Albany Police Department is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Moore’s death. No further information has been released at this time.