Rondale Moore dies at 25: Death under investigation for Vikings wide receiver, former Purdue star

New Albany, Indiana – Rondale Moore, the 25-year-old Minnesota Vikings wide receiver whose electric speed and relentless work ethic made him a fan favorite at every stop of his football journey, died Saturday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey. Authorities discovered Moore’s body inside a garage in his hometown. An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday, WLKY-TV reports.

Moore had signed with the Vikings this offseason after three turbulent years in the NFL. The former Purdue standout tore his knee in Minnesota’s first preseason game, ending his 2025 campaign before it began. It was the second consecutive August in which a preseason injury cost him an entire year; Moore had missed the 2024 season after suffering a knee injury while with the Atlanta Falcons.

Selected 49th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2021 NFL Draft, Moore flashed the same burst that once terrorized Big Ten defenses. His most productive professional season came in Year 3 with Arizona, when he piled up 530 total yards and two touchdowns in his only full season at the sport’s highest level. Across all 36 career games, Moore amassed 1,450 total yards and four touchdowns.

At Purdue, Moore’s freshman year remains the stuff of legend. In 2018 he posted 1,258 receiving yards, 213 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns, earning consensus All-America honors, the Paul Warfield Trophy and CBS Sports Freshman of the Year recognition. Injuries limited him to seven games over the next two collegiate seasons, yet his reputation as the most dynamic playmaker in college football was already secure.

Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore with the Boilermakers, remembered a competitor whose drive lifted everyone around him. “Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach,” Brohm said. “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.”

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell echoed those sentiments, noting how quickly Moore endeared himself to the organization despite arriving only months ago. “I am devastated by the news of Rondale's death,” O’Connell said. “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. 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. My prayers are with Rondale's family, friends, teammates and coaches as we all deal with this tragic news.”

The Vikings released a statement Sunday affirming their support for Moore’s family and their own organization. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore,” the team said. “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. We have also been in communication with our players, coaches, and staff, and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need. Our thoughts are with Rondale's family and friends during this devastating time.”

Moore’s death is under investigation by the New Albany Police Department. Authorities have not released additional details.