Vikings Receiver Rondale Moore Dies at 25

[ad_1] by Mary Spiller February 22, 2026

Police say the extensive receiver was present in his Indiana storage.

Minnesota Vikings extensive receiver Rondale Moore has died at age 25, authorities in Indiana confirmed Feb. 21, as tributes poured in from throughout the NFL.

The Floyd County coroner instructed The New York Occasions that Moore’s demise stays below investigation and that an post-mortem was scheduled for Sunday. New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey stated the athlete was found Feb. 21 inside a storage at a property in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana. Bailey instructed a number of media retailers that Moore died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Moore, a standout at Purdue College, entered the NFL as a second-round draft choose in 2021, chosen by the Arizona Cardinals. He spent three seasons in Arizona earlier than a collection of knee accidents altered the trajectory of his skilled profession. In 2024, he was traded to the Atlanta Falcons however was later positioned on injured reserve after struggling one other knee harm throughout coaching camp.

Earlier than the 2025 season, Moore signed with the Vikings. Nevertheless, he tore his ACL through the workforce’s first preseason recreation and was once more positioned on injured reserve.

As reported by The New York Occasions, In a press release the Vikings stated, “We're deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore.”

Assertion from Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell: “I'm devastated by the information of Rondale’s demise. Whereas Rondale had been a member of the Vikings for a short while, he was somebody we got here to know effectively and care about deeply. He was a humble, soft-spoken, and respectful younger man…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 22, 2026

The group added, “Whereas we're working to grasp the details, now we have spoken with Rondale’s household to supply our condolences and the complete help of the Minnesota Vikings. We have now additionally been in communication with our gamers, coaches and employees, and can make counseling and emotional help sources obtainable to anybody in want.” The workforce concluded, “Our ideas are with Rondale’s household and associates throughout this devastating time.”

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell additionally launched a press release, saying, “I'm devastated by the information of Rondale’s demise.” He described Moore as “a humble, soft-spoken and respectful younger man who was pleased with his Indiana roots,” including that “as a participant, he was disciplined, devoted and resilient regardless of going through adversity a number of occasions as accidents sidelined him all through his profession.” O’Connell stated the workforce is “heartbroken by the very fact he gained’t proceed to dwell out his NFL dream,” and supplied prayers to Moore’s family members.

Can’t even start to fathom or course of this.

There’s simply no means.

Means too quickly. Means too particular. A lot left to provide.

Relaxation in Peace Rondale.

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 22, 2026

You wasn’t alone bro.. I instructed you I understand how you are feeling

— Hollywood Brown (@Primetime_jet) February 22, 2026

Jeff Brohm, Moore’s former school coach at Purdue, shared his personal remembrance. “Rondale Moore was a whole pleasure to educate,” Brohm wrote. “The last word competitor that wouldn’t again down from any problem. Rondale has a piece ethic that was unmatched by anybody.”

He continued, “A fantastic teammate that may come via in any scenario. All of us liked Rondale, we liked his smile and aggressive edge that at all times wished to please everybody he got here involved with.” Brohm concluded, “We provide all of our ideas and prayers to Rondale and his household, we love him very a lot.”

No means man!! Simply talked to you 😢 This one damage my coronary heart 😓 Rip4

— TYRONE TRACY JR (@TyroneTracy) February 22, 2026

A number of NFL gamers additionally reacted publicly. Corridor of Famer J.J. Watt wrote, “Can’t even start to fathom or course of this.” Kansas Metropolis Chiefs receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown posted, “You wasn’t alone bro.. I instructed you I understand how you are feeling.” Giants working again Tyrone Tracy Jr. added, “No means man!! Simply talked to you. This one damage my coronary heart.”