Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell was 'heartbroken' after Rondale Moore suffered a season-ending injury in 2025, months before the 25-year-old tragically passed
21:51 ET, 21 Feb 2026Updated 21:51 ET, 21 Feb 2026
Rondale Moore last played in 2023 after back-to-back season-ending injuries
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Rondale Moore last played in 2023 after back-to-back season-ending injuries(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore tragically died on Saturday, aged 25, after two brutal, injury-ridden seasons hindered his NFL career.
Moore's cause of death is still under investigation, but according to New Albany police chief Todd Bailey, he was found deceased with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound in the garage of a property in New Albany, Indiana. He shared a heartbreaking last post just days before his death.
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The wide receiver signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Vikings during the 2025 offseason, but a knee injury in NFL preseason kept him out for the entire year.
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It was the second-straight season that Moore had suffered a major knee injury, and his frustration was clear to see after being carted off. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell admitted he was "heartbroken" after seeing Moore in distress, given his unfortunate record in the league.
Moore spent three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals to start his NFL career, after being selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He scored four touchdowns (one rushing) as a Cardinal before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons.
After joining the Falcons, Moore suffered a knee injury in training camp and was placed on the season-ending injured reserve list. He then became a free agent at the end of the 2024 season as his rookie contract expired.
The Vikings signed him on a short-term deal, with the vision to use him as a receiver and punt returner. After impressing in training camp, Moore suffered another brutal knee injury during a game against the Houston Texans during the preseason.
Moore was carted off during the NFL preseason for the Minnesota Vikings
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Moore was carted off during the NFL preseason for the Minnesota Vikings(Image: 2025 Kara Durrette)
On his very first return of the game, Texans linebacker Jamal Hill tackled him as he ran out of bounds. Moore fell awkwardly on his left leg when being pulled over by Hill.
The cart then came out to escort Moore to the locker room, and he slammed his hands onto the cart so loud that it was heard around the stadium. After the game, O'Connell said he was devastated for Moore, admitting it was difficult to witness.
"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.
Moore last played a competitive NFL game in 2023
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Moore last played a competitive NFL game in 2023(Image: Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
"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."
Prior to joining the NFL, Moore starred at Purdue and was named both Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Receiver of the Year in his rookie season. His former head coach, Jeff Brohm, issued an emotional statement when hearing of his tragic death.
"Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach," he wrote. "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.
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"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!!!"
If in the United States, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go tohttp://SuicidePreventionLifeline.org