NFL star Rondale Moore's suspected cause of death revealed after body of Vikings receiver, 25, was found
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore has been declared dead in Indiana after suffering what police believe to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
'The New Albany Police Department is conducting a death investigation at 1611 Ekin Av in New Albany,' police chief Todd Bailey said in a statement. 'Rondale Moore (age 25) was found deceased in the garage of the property of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.
'The New Albany Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into the incident. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation no additional information will be released at this time.'
The Floyd County Coroner said an autopsy has been scheduled for Sunday.
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.
Kansas City Chiefs star Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown said he was in touch with Moore just hours before his death.
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
'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.
A young Rondale Moore is pictured alongside his mother, Quincy Ricketts, in this photo
'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!!!'
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,' added Watt, who also played with Moore in Arizona. '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.
Despite a series of injuries at Purdie, the Arizona Cardinals picked Moore in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He was traded to 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. '
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.
