Police say the former Purdue star has died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound in his hometown in Indiana.
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Published February 22, 2026
National Football League receiver Rondale Moore, who suffered season-ending knee injuries in training camp each of the past two years after a stellar career at Purdue University and a promising start with the Arizona Cardinals, was found dead Saturday, authorities said.
Police said Moore, 25, died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police Chief Todd Bailey said Moore was found dead in a garage on a property in his hometown of New Albany. The death remains under investigation.
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Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin confirmed Moore’s death. He said an autopsy would be performed on Sunday.
After being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Moore dislocated his right knee during training camp and did not play with the team. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, but injured his left knee returning a punt in his first exhibition game and spent the entire season on injured reserve. Moore quickly realized the severity of his injury and became extremely distraught, slamming his hand on the cart so hard that the sound was heard throughout the stadium.
The Vikings said they have spoken with Moore’s family and offered their condolences and support.
“We are shocked by the news of Rondale’s passing. Although Rondale was a member of the Vikings for a short time, he was someone we knew well and cared deeply about,” coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement distributed by the team.
“He was a humble, soft-spoken, respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots. As a player, he was disciplined, dedicated, and resilient despite facing many adversities throughout his career, including sidelined injuries. We are all saddened by the fact that he will not go on to realize his NFL dreams, and we will never get to see him in action.”
The Cardinals said in a statement that they are “devastated and heartbroken.”
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to 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.
Moore grew up in New Albany, just across the Indiana border from Louisville, Kentucky, and was named to the All-American first team as a freshman at Purdue University in 2018.
Moore, a second-round draft pick by the Cardinals in 2021, has 1,201 receiving yards and three touchdowns, as well as 249 rushing yards and one score in three seasons. He served as the primary kickoff and punt returner as a rookie until an injury forced him out of that role.
“I can’t understand or process this,” former Cardinals teammate JJ Watt said on social media. “I can’t help it. It’s too soon. It’s too special. I still have so much to give. Rest in peace Rondale.”
