NFL receiver Rondale Moore found
dead in his Indiana hometown
[February 23, 2026]
NEW ALBANY, Ind. (AP) — Rondale Moore, an NFL receiver who
had season-ending training camp knee injuries in each of the last
two years after a standout college career at Purdue and a promising
start with the Arizona Cardinals, was found dead Saturday,
authorities said. He was 25.
Police said Moore died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Moore was found dead in the garage of a property in his hometown of
New Albany, police chief Todd Bailey said. The death remains under
investigation.
Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin also confirmed Moore’s death. He
said an autopsy would be conducted on Sunday.
After being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Moore dislocated
his right knee during training camp and never played for them. He
signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, but he blew out his left
knee while returning a punt in their first exhibition game and spent
another full season on injured reserve. Moore was so distraught
after immediately realizing the seriousness of that injury that he
slammed his hand down on a cart so hard the sound was audible
throughout the stadium.
The Vikings said they had spoken with Moore's family to offer
condolences and support.
“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," coach Kevin O'Connell said
in a statement distributed by the team. “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.”
In a statement, the Cardinals said they were “devastated and
heartbroken.”
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends,
teammates, and everyone who loved him and had the privilege of
knowing such a special person,” the team said in a social media
post.
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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) runs against the
San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game,
Dec. 17, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)
Moore grew up in New Albany, just across the
Indiana border from Louisville, Kentucky, and was a first team
All-American as a freshman at Purdue in 2018.
“Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach. The ultimate competitor
who 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 his
competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in
contact," Louisville coach Jeff Brohm said on social media. Brohm
was the coach at Purdue when Moore played there.
Drafted in the second round by the Cardinals in 2021, Moore had
1,201 receiving yards and three touchdowns plus 249 rushing yards
and one score over three seasons. He served as their primary
returner for kickoffs and punts as a rookie before injuries pushed
him away from that role.
“Can’t even begin to fathom or process this," former Cardinals
teammate J.J. Watt said on social media. “There’s just no way. Way
too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in peace
Rondale.”
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