Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore has died at the age of 25. (Image: Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore has passed away at the age of 25, according to the Florida County Coroner.

The coroner has confirmed an autopsy is forthcoming, and the cause of death remains under investigation. According to New Albany police chief Todd Bailey, Moore was found deceased with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound in the garage of a property in New Albany, Indiana.

Moore was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, but injuries hampered the final two years of his professional career, preventing him from ever suiting up for the Vikings.

At the collegiate level, Moore excelled at Purdue, earning both Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Receiver of the Year honors. He joined the Boilermakers after being named the 2017 Gatorade Kentucky Player of the Year and also captured the Paul Hornung Award.

Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, issued a statement following confirmation of the devastating news. “Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach,” he stated.

Moore was carted off during the NFL preseason for the Minnesota Vikings. (Image: 2025 Kara Durrette)

“The ultimate competitor that would never back down to any challenge. Rondale has a work ethic that was unmatched by anyone. A great teammate that would come through in any situation.”

“We all loved Rondale and 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 and we love him very much!!!”.

Moore inked his four-year rookie contract with Arizona in 2021, initially positioned fourth on the depth chart as he entered his first professional season. Nevertheless, Moore notched his first NFL touchdown during just his second career game, connecting on an impressive 77-yard reception from quarterback Kyler Murray.

Moore was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. (Image: 2023 Cooper Neill)

His rookie campaign saw him register 54 receptions for 435 yards and one touchdown, though he sat out the opening three games of the 2022 season due to a hamstring injury. Following eight consecutive starts, he was sidelined on injured reserve, finishing the year with 41 catches for 414 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.

Moore stayed on the field throughout the 2023 season, finding the end zone twice whilst recording his first career rushing touchdown. During the offseason, the receiver was dealt to the Atlanta Falcons in a swap for quarterback Desmond Ridder.

His time with the Falcons proved brief, as Moore never appeared in a regular season game for Atlanta. A knee injury sustained during training camp landed him on season-ending injured reserve.

Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, Moore entered free agency as his rookie deal expired.

The Vikings extended Moore an opportunity, with head coach Kevin O’Connell planning to utilize him in both wide receiver and punt return roles. Moore agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal in Minnesota and showed promise throughout training camp.

However, he experienced another devastating injury setback during a preseason matchup against the Houston Texans, just one month before the 2025 season kicked off. Moore was carted off the field after sustaining another season-ending knee injury.

“It’s one of the most painful things for me as a head coach when I feel that emotion,” O’Connell said. “I make a life out of trying to leave others better than I found them. In that situation, there is nothing I can do, which is the worst feeling as a coach. So you just consult with him and make sure that he knows he’s not going to be alone.”