Rondale Moore Passes Away at Age 25
On Saturday, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore died at age 25. He became a part of the Vikings family last offseason when he signed with the franchise.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote, “Former Purdue star and NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore died on Saturday at the age of 25. Police in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana, told The Associated Press that Moore was found in a garage with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. The death remained under investigation. Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin also confirmed Moore’s death. He said an autopsy would be conducted on Sunday.”
Moore, once a second-round draft choice of the Arizona Cardinals, spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons before joining the Vikings in 2025.
The Minnesota Vikings released a statement after the tragedy.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore. 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. 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.”
Moore enjoyed a phenomenal freshman season at Purdue before injuries slowed him down in his next two years. He led the Big Ten in receptions (114), receiving yards (1,258), and receiving touchdowns (12). Moore also added 213 rushing yards and two touchdowns and was a dynamic punt and kick returner en route to earning several accolades that year, including the Paul Horning Award for the most versatile player in college football.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell commented, “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. My prayers are with Rondale’s family, friends, teammates and coaches as we all deal with this tragic news.”
In three years in Arizona, the 2021 2nd-rounder logged 1,201 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The Cardinals then traded him to Atlanta in the 2024 offseason, but he missed the season after suffering a knee injury in training camp.
Last August, Moore suffered another knee injury, this time during a punt return in the preseason, robbing him of a second consecutive season.
Moore was 25, and his passing is being mourned by his family, friends, teammates, and the broader football community.
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