One of the most electric Purdue football players in the program’s history has died at the age of 25.
Rondale Moore, who starred as a wide receiver from 2018 to 2020 and was central to the Boilermakers’ rebirth under Jeff Brohm, died on Saturday in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana. He was set to enter his second season this fall with Minnesota after his first was cut short by an ACL injury in the Vikings’ first preseason game. It was Moore’s second consecutive knee injury, idling his promising career.
Multiple Louisville media outlets are reporting that Moore died from a self-inflected gunshot wound, per New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey. An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday.
Coming out of Trinity High School as a four-star recruit, Moore shined at Purdue. His accomplishments include Big Ten Receiver-of-the-Year, Freshman-of-the-Year and First Team All-Big Ten in 2018, as well as a unanimous All-American.
His freshman year saw him record 1,258 receiving yards and 213 rushing yards, the fourth-most receiving yards in a single season ever at Purdue.
Freshman wide receiver Rondale Moore catches a 9-yard touchdown right before halftime against Ohio State.
Ziheng Shao | Staff Photographer
Notably, his 12-reception, 170-receiving-yards, and two-touchdown performance against No. 2 Ohio State in 2018 — the “Tyler Trent Game” — was the catalyst for Purdue’s stunning 49-20 upset.
Coming out of college, Moore was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft at 49th overall. He played three years with the Cardinals and was subsequently traded to the Atlanta Falcons, before signing with the Vikings last year.
Moore was a prized recruit for Brohm and Purdue. Although in far different eras, the pair both attended — and starred at — Trinity High School in Louisville.
“Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach,” Brohm, Louisville’s head coach. posted on X late Saturday. “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.”
Purdue football released the following statement on social media:
“The Purdue Football family is deeply saddened by the news of Rondale Moore’s tragic passing. An All-American with an infectious smile, Rondale was a joy on and off the field. Someone who left this world too soon, Rondale will be remembered as a legendary Boilermaker.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Rondale’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
If you need assistance, there are resources available on campus at Counseling and Psychological Services, reachable at 765-494-6995. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is also available at 988.
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