Tributes have poured in after Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore was found dead at age 25. The NFL have shared an official statement, while his head coach, Kevin O’Connell, has also spoken out.
Having spent three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, arriving as a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Moore was then traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024. He dislocated his right knee in training camp and that injury proved to be a major set-back in his career.
It hampered his 2024 season, and he subsequently signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025. Sadly, a second serious knee injury meant he would miss the entirety of the last campaign.
Police Investigating Death of Rondale Moore
As per reports in the media, via TalkSport, police in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana, have said that Moore was found dead inside the garage of a property in the city. The police department is currently investigating the death, with an autopsy to be conducted on Sunday.
However, it was also stated that the player had taken his own life after a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. In a statement, the NFL said:
“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.”
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JJ Watt Among Those to Pay Tribute
Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell also shared a statement, saying: “I am devastated by the news of Rondale’s death.
“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.”
Three-time defensive player of the year J.J. Watt, who played alongside Moore in Arizona, spoke about how hard the news had hit him, saying:
“Can’t even begin to fathom or process this. There’s just no way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in Peace Rondale.”
Finally, Moore’s former teammate, Hollywood Brown, also shared an emotional tribute. “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,” he then added in a separate post.