Rondale Moore, Vikings NFL receiver, dies aged 25

Police say the ex-Purdue University star died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound in his hometown in Indiana.Published On 22 Feb 2026Rondale Moore, the National Football League (NFL) receiver who suffered 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 on Saturday, authorities say.Police said Moore, aged 25, 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.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Strickland snaps Hernandez’s win streak with TKO victory at UFC Fight Nightlist 2 of 4LAFC shut out Messi, Inter Miami in MLS season openerlist 3 of 4Ryan Garcia defeats Mario Barrios to win WBC welterweight titlelist 4 of 4Nico O’Reilly double seals key 2-1 win for Man City over Newcastle Unitedend of listFloyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin 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 injured 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 realising 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.”Moore, right, had missed the last two NFL seasons with season-ending knee injuries [File: Kara Durrette/Getty Images]In a statement, the Cardinals said they were “devastated and heartbroken”.