NFL Mourns Rondale Moore's Sudden Death

Rondale Moore, 25, who suffered season-ending injury

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore dies at 25; cause under investigation. Rondale Moore, who suffered season-ending injury; tributes pour in from former teammates.

“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...”

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore has sadly passed away at the age of 25. Authorities in Indiana confirmed his death, with an investigation ongoing. Police Chief Todd Bailey reported that Moore was found dead in a garage with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The NFL community is mourning the loss of Moore, who had a promising career despite facing multiple injuries. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2021 and played for them until 2023, before joining the Atlanta Falcons and then the Minnesota Vikings. Moore's college coach, Jeff Brohm, remembered him as “a complete joy to coach” with an unmatched work ethic.

Bailey said an investigation was ongoing and “no additional information will be released at this time.”

The Vikings said in a statement the team was “deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore.

"While we are working to understand the facts, we have spoken with Rondale's family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings.”

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said he was “devastated” by the news of Moore'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,” O'Connell said in a statement. “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.”

Jeff Brohm, Moore's former coach at Purdue University, paid tribute to him on X, saying “Rest in Peace #RipMoore.”

“Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach,” Brohm wrote. “The ultimate competitor that 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 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, we love him very much!!!”

Moore was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. He was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024 but suffered a season-ending knee injury during training camp that year.

We are deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news of Rondale Moore's sudden passing.

Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family and friends during this devastating time. pic.twitter.com/Qi7CY0GGng

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 22, 2026

Moore signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings last March but suffered a season-ending knee injury in their first pre-season game.

Former teammates and NFL players took to social media to react to Moore's passing. J.J. Watt, who played with Moore in Arizona, posted on X, expressing his shock and sadness.

“Can't even begin to fathom or process this,” wrote Watt. “There's just no way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in Peace Rondale.”