Police said Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore was found with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound, after it emerged he messaged one of his former NFL teammates just hours earlier
23:44 ET, 21 Feb 2026Updated 23:44 ET, 21 Feb 2026
Moore was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
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Moore was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.(Image: 2023 Cooper Neill)
Police in Indiana have confirmed tragic new details surrounding the death of former NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore, who was found deceased Saturday at the age of 25.
According to New Albany police chief Todd Bailey, Moore was discovered in the garage of a property in New Albany, Indiana, with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities confirmed that an investigation is underway.
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Floyd County coroner Matthew Tomlin said the NFL receiver, who shared a heartbreaking final Instagram post just days before his death, was transported to Baptist Floyd Hospital in New Albany, where he was pronounced dead. Tomlin stated he was notified of Moore’s passing at 6:15 p.m. Saturday. An autopsy has been scheduled, and officials emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the public.
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News of Moore’s death sent shockwaves through the football community, particularly after Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown revealed that Moore had messaged him just hours before he died.
“Bro ain’t no way brotha you just messaged me few hours ago,” Brown wrote on X, adding an sad emoji with a single tear.
In a follow-up post, Brown added, “You wasn’t alone bro.. I told you I know how you feel.”
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Moore rose to national prominence during his freshman season at Purdue in 2018. That year, he recorded 114 receptions for 1,258 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns, adding two rushing scores.
He was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Receiver of the Year and earned consensus first-team All-American honors.
One of his most memorable performances came on October 20, 2018, when he caught 12 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns in Purdue’s 49-20 upset of then-No. 2 Ohio State.
Injuries limited Moore over his final two college seasons, but his freshman campaign solidified his status as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country. The Arizona Cardinals selected him with the 49th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Rondale Moore played three active NFL seasons
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Rondale Moore played three active NFL seasons(Image: Getty)
Over three seasons with Arizona, Moore appeared in 39 games and totaled 135 receptions for 1,201 yards and four total touchdowns. He was later traded to the Atlanta Falcons but suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025 but did not play after another preseason injury.
Former Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm, now at Louisville, shared a statement reflecting on Moore’s impact.
“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 what would come through in any situation.
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"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.”
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