Rondale Moore, an NFL wide receiver who starred at Purdue University before playing for multiple professional teams, has died at age 25. Moore was found dead Saturday in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana, according to the Floyd County Coroner's Office. His death is under investigation, with authorities treating it as a suspected suicide.
Key Takeaways
- Rondale Moore, 25, was found dead Saturday in New Albany, Indiana
- He was a standout receiver at Purdue and played five seasons in the NFL
- Moore suffered multiple serious injuries during his professional career
- His death is under investigation by local authorities
Background
Moore became one of college football's brightest young talents during his freshman year at Purdue in 2018. He was a consensus All-American and won the Paul Warfield Trophy, an award given to the nation's best receiver. That season, he caught 1,258 yards, rushed for 213 yards, and scored 14 total touchdowns. His explosive play caught the attention of NFL scouts.
The Arizona Cardinals selected Moore with the 49th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He spent his first three seasons with Arizona before moving to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. This past offseason, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings, where he was expected to play as a third or fourth receiver in the team's offense.
Moore also played high school football in the Louisville area. He spent two years at New Albany High School before transferring to Trinity High School for his final two years of prep football.
Key Details
His Professional Career
During his time with the Arizona Cardinals, Moore appeared in 63 games and caught 135 passes for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns. He added 52 carries for 249 yards and a touchdown on the ground. His best NFL season came in his third year with Arizona, when he gained 530 yards of total offense and scored twice.
But injuries derailed his momentum. Moore missed the entire 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons due to a knee injury. When he signed with the Vikings, he was trying to make a comeback.
That comeback never got off the ground. During the Vikings' first preseason game on August 9, 2025, Moore was tackled on a punt return in the second quarter. It was the first time he touched the ball in a game with Minnesota. The injury was season-ending. The damage to his knee kept him sidelined for the entire year.
Reaction From the Football Community
Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue and is now the head coach at Louisville, released a statement about his former player.
"Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach. The ultimate competitor that would never back down to any challenge. 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."
Kevin O'Connell, the Vikings head coach, had spoken emotionally after Moore's preseason injury last August. At that time, O'Connell said the injury was one of the most painful things he'd experienced as a coach.
"Anybody at the ballpark today could feel the emotion. It's one of the most painful things for me as a head coach when I feel the emotion. I make a life out of trying to leave others better than I found them, and in that situation, there's really nothing I can do, which is the worst feeling as a head coach."
O'Connell noted that Moore's teammates came out to support him immediately after the injury, showing how well-liked he was in the locker room.
What This Means
Moore's death represents a tragic loss for the football community and his family. He was a young man with tremendous talent who had overcome significant obstacles to reach the professional level. His college career showed he had elite-level abilities, and many believed he could still contribute in the NFL despite his injury problems.
The repeated knee injuries Moore suffered—missing an entire season with Atlanta and then suffering another major injury with Minnesota just days after signing—likely weighed heavily on him. Professional athletes often struggle with the mental health challenges that come with career-ending or career-altering injuries. The loss of identity and purpose that can follow such injuries is a real and serious issue in sports.
Moore's story also highlights how quickly life can change. One moment, a young athlete is signing with a new team, hoping for a fresh start. Months later, after a single play, that opportunity is gone. And now, the person is gone too.
His death will likely prompt conversations within the NFL and college sports about mental health resources for athletes, particularly those dealing with injuries that threaten their careers and livelihoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Rondale Moore's college record?
During his freshman year at Purdue in 2018, Moore had 1,258 receiving yards, 213 rushing yards, and 14 total touchdowns. He was named a consensus All-American and won the Paul Warfield Trophy as the nation's best receiver.
How long did Rondale Moore play in the NFL?
Moore played five seasons in the NFL across three teams. He was drafted by Arizona in 2021, spent three seasons with the Cardinals, one with the Atlanta Falcons, and signed with Minnesota in 2025 before suffering his final injury.
What injuries did Rondale Moore suffer?
Moore missed the entire 2024 season with Atlanta due to a knee injury. In August 2025, he suffered another serious knee injury during the Vikings' first preseason game, which ended his season before the regular season even began.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Rondale Moore’s college record?
During his freshman year at Purdue in 2018, Moore had 1,258 receiving yards, 213 rushing yards, and 14 total touchdowns. He was named a consensus All-American and won the Paul Warfield Trophy as the nation’s best receiver.
How long did Rondale Moore play in the NFL?
Moore played five seasons in the NFL across three teams. He was drafted by Arizona in 2021, spent three seasons with the Cardinals, one with the Atlanta Falcons, and signed with Minnesota in 2025 before suffering his final injury.
What injuries did Rondale Moore suffer?
Moore missed the entire 2024 season with Atlanta due to a knee injury. In August 2025, he suffered another serious knee injury during the Vikings’ first preseason game, which ended his season before the regular season even began.
