NFL star Rondale Moore found dead at 25 as JJ Watt leads heartbreaking tributes to Vikings wide receiver

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore has been found dead at age 25.

Police in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana said Moore was dead inside the garage of a property in the city.

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The police department is currently investigating the death with an autopsy to be on conducted on Sunday.

However, they told local news source WHAS that the player had taken his own life after a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Tributes pour in after tragic passing of Rondale Moore

“The NFL is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Rondale Moore. Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family, friends and teammates during this difficult time,” said the NFL in a statement.

“I am devastated by the news of Rondale’s death,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement.

“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.”

“Can’t even begin to fathom or process this,” wrote three-time defensive player of the year J.J. Watt, who played alongside Moore in Arizona. “There’s just no way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in Peace Rondale.”

Moore’s former teammate, Hollywood Brown, was also deeply saddened by the news. “Bro ain’t no way brotha you just messaged me few hours ago,” the Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver wrote with a crying emoji.

“You wasn’t alone bro.. I told you I know how you feel,” adding in a separate post.

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Current New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. added, “No way man!! Just talked to you. This one hurt my heart.”

“Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach,” Louisville coach Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, said on social media. “The ultimate competitor who 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 his competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact.”

In his first year with Purdue, Moore won the Paul Hornung Award, given to college football’s most versatile player.

He set multiple records as a freshman in 2018, catching 114 passes for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns while also setting a Purdue record for all-purpose yardage.

Moore was a second-round pick for the Arizona Cardinals at the 2021 NFL Draft.

He made 135 catches for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns during his three seasons with the Cardinals.

Moore was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024 but dislocated his right knee in training camp. That injury hampered his 2024 season and he subsequently signed one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025.

However, he missed the entirety of last season after suffering a second serious knee injury, his second in the space of two years.

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