Vikings receiver Rondale Moore found dead at 25
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article had a picture of the wrong player. The player pictured was Myles Price, not Rondale Moore.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore was found dead of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound in New Albany, Ind., police said Saturday. He was 25 years old.
New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey said Moore was found dead inside the garage of a property in the city. An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday, and the police department is currently investigating the death.
“I am devastated by the news of Rondale’s death,” Vikings head 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.”
We are deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news of Rondale Moore’s sudden passing.
Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family and friends during this devastating time. pic.twitter.com/Qi7CY0GGng
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 22, 2026
Moore was an instant star as a college receiver at Purdue, setting records as a freshman in 2018. That season, Moore caught 114 passes for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also set a Purdue record for all-purpose yardage. All-American honors placed him on an NFL track.
“Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach,” his college coach, Jeff Brohm, wrote in a statement Saturday. “The ultimate competitor that wouldn’t back down from any challenge. Rondale had a work ethic 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. We offer all of our thoughts and prayers to Rondale and his family, we love him very much.”
— Jeff Brohm (@JeffBrohm) February 22, 2026
Moore was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, playing three years there before a series of injuries hampered his career.
As a 21-year-old rookie for the Cardinals in 2021, Moore caught 54 passes, displaying the explosive talent many had expected. Hamstring injuries shortened his 2022 season, limiting him to eight games. He returned and played in 17 games (eight starts) in 2023, catching 40 more passes for 352 yards. A pair of serious knee injuries prevented him from improving upon those statistics over the last two years.
In 2024, he dislocated his right knee in training camp. After an extensive rehab, Moore signed a one-year contract with the Vikings for the 2025 season. Minnesota envisioned him as a kick returner who would add receiver depth, but on his first kick return in the team’s first preseason game, Moore was injured when he was pulled abruptly to the ground. His pain was immediate.
A cart transported him to the locker room, and he slammed the back of the cart loudly enough for it to be heard throughout U.S. Bank Stadium. After the game, O’Connell confirmed Moore had torn his ACL, calling it “heartbreaking.”
“It’s one of the most painful things for me as a head coach when I feel that emotion,” O’Connell said at the time. “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.”
On Saturday, after hearing the news of Moore’s death, multiple NFL players have posted on X. Hall of Famer J.J. Watt, one of Moore’s former teammates in Arizona, wrote: “Can’t even begin to fathom or process this.” Kansas City Chiefs receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown wrote: “You wasn’t alone bro.. I told you I know how you feel.” Current Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. added, “No way man!! Just talked to you. This one hurt my heart.”
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) February 22, 2026
In a statement Saturday, the Vikings said the team had spoken to the Moore family to offer condolences and the full support of the organization. The team also said that it had been in communication with players, coaches and staff, making counseling and emotional support available to anyone in need.
The NFL and NFLPA both posted statements Saturday night offering condolences, with the players’ union pointing to Moore’s service as a player rep. “This immense loss is felt deeply across our union,” the statement read. “In moments like this, we are reminded of how much our players carry, on and off the field. To our members: Please know that support is always within reach. Check on your teammates and prioritize your mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to take advantage of the many confidential resources and services available to you through the NFLPA.”
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or at 988lifeline.org.
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