NFL star Rondale Moore, 25, has sadly passed away, and the cause of death has now been shared.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore has sadly passed away at just 25 years old.
The three-year NFL player was found by police on Saturday in the garage of a home in New Albany, Indiana. Rondale had joined the Vikings during the offseason but missed the whole year because of a knee injury he got during preseason.
After his death, an official investigation started, and an autopsy was planned for Sunday. New Albany police chief Todd Bailey later shared that they believe Rondale died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Vikings team said, “We are deeply saddened by Rondale’s passing. We are working to understand the facts and have reached out to his family to offer our condolences and support. We’ve also been talking with our players, coaches, and staff, and we will provide counseling and emotional help to anyone who needs it. Our hearts go out to Rondale’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Rondale was picked in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals and played three seasons with them before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024. Unfortunately, he suffered a serious knee injury in training that ended his 2024 season early.
In March 2025, Rondale signed a one-year contract with the Vikings, but another knee injury kept him from playing for the second year in a row.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said, “Though Rondale only spent a short time with us, we got to know and care about him a lot. He was humble, quiet, and proud of his Indiana roots. As a player, he was disciplined and strong, facing many challenges because of injuries. We’re heartbroken that he won’t get to live out his NFL dreams and that we won’t see him shine on the field.”
Rondale had an impressive college career at Purdue, catching 114 passes for 1,258 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns. He was a highly expected top pick in the 2021 draft.
His former Cardinals teammate, J.J. Watt, shared his sadness on social media: “I can’t even begin to understand this. It’s just too soon. Rondale was so special and had so much more to give. Rest in peace, Rondale.”
Over his NFL career, Rondale played in 39 games.
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