Story by
Rondale Moore Dead: Minnesota Vikings Player and Former Purdue Star Dies at 25
- Story by
- Rondale Moore Dead: Minnesota Vikings Player and Former Purdue Star Dies at 25
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
NFL star Rondale Moore is dead . He was 25.
New Albany, Indiana, police confirmed to Us Weekly on Saturday, February 21, that "Rondale Moore, age 25, was found deceased in the garage of [a] property." Police said that his death is suspected to have been "self-inflicted."
Advertisement
"The New Albany Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into the incident," New Albany Police Chief, Todd Bailey, told Us . "Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation no additional information will be released at this time."
Moore most recently played for the Minnesota Vikings . A team spokesperson told Us that the NFL team was "deeply saddened" by the athlete's death.
Football Tragedies of 2025: Marshawn Kneeland and More of the Most Shocking Deaths
"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 ," a Vikings rep added. "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."
Advertisement
Vikings head coach, Kevin O'Connell, told Us in a statement, "I am devastated by the news of Rondale's death. 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."
Moore grew up in the area and was a football standout at Trinity High School before attending Purdue University. Moore's Purdue head coach, Jeff Brohm, remembered the wide receiver as "a complete joy to coach."
"[He was] the ultimate competitor that would never back down to any challenge," Brohm told Louisville, Kentucky's WLKY . "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."
Advertisement
Moore was initially drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft and played three seasons for the team before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024.
The athlete missed his entire first season with the Falcons after suffering a knee injury during training camp. The Minnesota Vikings announced Moore's signing in May 2025 as part of a trade with the Falcons for quarterback Desmond Ridder .
However, Moore once again suffered a season-ending knee injury during the Vikings' preseason opener against the Houston Texans on August 9, 2025. Texans linebacker Jamal Hilltackled Moore before he clutched at his knee in pain and had to be assisted off the field.
Rondale Moore is injured during a tackle by Jamal Hill in August 2025. David Berding/Getty Images
Vikings head coach, O'Connell, later described the injury as "pretty significant" and said it was "heartbreaking" to see Moore carted off the field in obvious pain.
Advertisement
"It's one of the most painful things for me as a head coach when I feel that emotion," O'Connell told reporters in August 2025. "I make a life out of trying to leave others better than I found them. In that situation, there is nothing I can do, which is the worst feeling as a coach. So you just consult with him and make sure that he knows he's not going to be alone."
Describing the injury as "very, very unfortunate," the coach added, "It seemed like it had a lot of the characteristics of [the hip-drop tackle], but I know it is a three-part kind of process to actually call that on the field. We'll see when we watch the tape. I don't think there was any bad intent there."
NFL Tragedies of 2024: The Saddest and Most Shocking Deaths
Injuries plagued Moore throughout his NFL career, though he told Arizona Sports in 2023 that those setbacks were not a reflection on his ability.
Advertisement
"It is what it is. I work my tail off every day. I do what I'm supposed to do," Moore insisted. "It's just been an unfortunate turn of events and I haven't been able to get it done. But at the end of the day, I know that I've done everything in my power to be out there. So hopefully that table turns and we get that narrative out the way."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org .
