Getty
Former Cardinals receiver Rondale Moore was found dead in his New Albany home.
Former Arizona Cardinals receiver Rondale Moore passed away at the age of 25. His passing was first reported by WLKY Louisville’s Britt Del Barba and Renee Maloney.
According to Ahmad Hicks at FOX9 Minneapolis, police found Moore deceased in his home with a gunshot wound. New Albany police chief Todd Bailey said they are investigating his death, suspecting it to be suicide.
According to New Albany police chief Todd Bailey—
Rondale Moore (age 25) was found deceased with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound in the garage of a property in New Albany, Indiana.
An investigation is underway. https://t.co/xydJyfDw1J
— Ahmad Hicks (@AhmadHicksTV) February 22, 2026
Rondale Moore’s NFL Career
The Cardinals selected Moore in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Following an electric career at Purdue, Arizona hoped that he could develop into a playmaker for Kyler Murray. Ultimately, it didn’t work out, as the Cardinals moved on from him before completing his rookie contract.
In three seasons with Arizona, Moore caught 135 passes for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns. He added 52 rushes for 248 yards and a touchdown. Despite the electrifying talent and occasional flashes of brilliance, he failed to carve out a consistent role. A head coach change didn’t help much, as he was drafted for Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.
When Jonathan Gannon replaced Kingsbury at head coach, it meant a new offensive coordinator. Moore played just one season under Drew Petzing’s offense. They used him as a Swiss army knife, as he caught 40 passes for 352 yards and rushed 28 times for 178 yards.
After three seasons in Arizona, Moore was traded to the Atlanta Falcons for quarterback Desmond Ridder. Ridder made the roster as Kyler Murray’s backup over Clayton Tune. Meanwhile, Moore suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp and spent the 2024 season without Atlanta.
A free agent after the 2024 season, Moore signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings. He suffered another season-ending knee injury in the preseason and spent a second straight season on injured reserve. He would have become a free agent again on March 11.
Rondale Moore’s Passing Shakes the Football World
When an NFL player dies in the prime of his NFL career, it sends shockwaves across the football world.
Jeff Brohm, his head coach at Purdue, released a statement.
“Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach. 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.”
As a freshman, Moore ranked second in all-time purpose yards (2,048). He received the Paul Hornung Award for the most versatile player in college football. While he struggled to stay healthy, playing in nine more games at Purdue, it was enough to get him drafted by the Cardinals.
Some of his Cardinals teammates reacted to Moore’s suicide.
Marquise Brown spent two seasons (2022 to 2023) together with Moore in the Cardinals’ receiver room. Brown recalls his former teammate messaging him just hours before his death.
Bro ain’t no way brotha you just messaged me few hours ago 😢
Former Cardinals defensive lineman Zach Allen also spent two seasons (2021-2022) in Arizona with Moore.
Rest in Peace Rondale 🕊️
It was an honor to be your teammate.
Always check on your people. You just never know
While Moore’s career was short, his passing shows the brotherhood that exists in the NFL. Even as players move on to other teams and opportunities.
Michael McDermott Michael McDermott is a writer at Heavy Sports covering the Arizona Diamondbacks and Major League Baseball. Michael has 10 years experience writing about the D-backs and their farm system for AZ Snake Pit, Burn City Sports, and Diamondbacks On SI. More about Michael McDermott
More Heavy on AZ Cardinals
Loading more stories