Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore (25) was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at a residence on Aiken Avenue. The discovery occurred in a home’s garage, according to New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey. While the Floyd County Coroner has scheduled an autopsy, the preliminary investigation points toward a self-inflicted shooting, according to WLKY News, Louisville.
Hollywood Brown Opens Up About Final Words to Rondale Moore Before Vikings WR's Tragic Death
Rondale Moore Suffers Tragic Death
(Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
Moore was a local standout who led Trinity High School to a 2016 state championship and was named the 2017 Gatorade Player of the Year. Before his selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, he earned All-American honors as a freshman at Purdue University.
Maxx Crosby, who faced Moore on the collegiate field, shared his reaction to the news via social media:
“Hate to do this… Rest in peace, Rondale Moore,” Crosby said. “I played this man in college. We went to Purdue and played the Boiler Makers on their field… I remember playing against Rondale Moore, and I was like, ‘That’s the coldest dude I’ve ever been on the field with up to that point.’ He was like Tyreek Hill in college”.
Crosby added that he had previously reached out to Mike Mayock to advocate for Moore during the draft cycle.
“But God, bro, check on your people. Too much hate in this world. Stay positive. It’s unbelievable”.
On the other side of the league, former head coach Jeff Brohm reflected on Moore’s unmatched work ethic.
“We all loved Rondale, and we loved his smile and competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact with,” Brohm said, per WLKY.
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Emmanuel Acho’s On Loss Of Rondale Moore
The Vikings released a statement expressing that they are “deeply saddened” by the sudden passing. The team has begun gathering facts while providing emotional support resources to staff and players.
“While we are working to understand the facts, we have spoken with Rondale’s family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings,” the team announced.
We are deeply saddened by the heartbreaking news of Rondale Moore's sudden passing.
Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family and friends during this devastating time. pic.twitter.com/Qi7CY0GGng
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) February 22, 2026
Former linebacker Emmanuel Acho also addressed his followers with a directive on mental health:
“If you can identify with Rondale Moore, please know you are valuable, loved and have a purpose,” Acho wrote. “If you have someone in your life who may have withdrawn lately, send them the text, check on them, and bother them with excessive love”.
To all of my followers I say two things:
If you can identify with Rondale Moore, please know you are valuable, loved and have a purpose.
If you have someone in your life who may have withdrawn lately, send them the text, check on them, and bother them with excessive love.… pic.twitter.com/7NlmoXSqoc
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) February 22, 2026
Teammates and peers across the NFL, including wide receiver Elijah Moore and Zaire Franklin, shared similar sentiments.
“Prayers up to Rondale and his family. Life is NOT EASY! It’s weighing on everyone differently. The fight to make more money, have it all together, take care of urself and ur family if u have one is not easy! THIS is why I know I NEEEED THE MOST HIGH.”
Prayers up to Rondale and his family 🙏🏾✝️
Life is NOT EASY!
it’s weighing on everyone differently.
The fight to make more money, have it all together, take care of urself and ur family if u have one is not easy! THIS is why I know I NEEEED THE MOST HIGH.
— Elijah Moore (@e_moore03) February 22, 2026
Indianapolis Colts Linebacker, Franklin wrote that the offseason can be a “dangerous time” due to the excess of time and space, urging players to focus on physical, mental, and spiritual betterment.
“RIP Rondale Moore!! Youngin the Off-Season is the most dangerous time of year! Nothing but time + space for trouble to find you. Focus on something to better yourself, and let that be your offseason plan. Physical, mental, spiritual or your finances! Be safe.”
RIP Rondale Moore!!
Youngin the Off-Season is the most dangerous time of year! Nothing but time + space for trouble to find you.
Focus on something to better yourself and let that be your offseason plan. Physical, mental, spiritual or your finances!
Be safe 🖤
— Zaire Franklin (@ZiggySmalls_) February 22, 2026
Brett Favre also noted the tragedy on X, writing, “Gone so young”.
“Just saw passing of Vikings receiver Rondale Moore at 25… Thoughts and prayers to his friends and family, gone so young.”
Just saw passing of Vikings receiver Rondale Moore at 25… Thoughts and
prayers to his friends and family, gone so young.
— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) February 22, 2026
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Follow me here on Gridiron Heroics and get the latest on the world of NFL and college football. From the drama surrounding Shedeur Sanders, Bill Belichick – Jordon Hudson tea, Brittany Mahomes’ stylish looks to Taylor Swift’s appearances on Chiefs game days, this will be your one-stop shop for all NFL and college football stuff. You can also reach out to Prasen Singh via email at prasensingh272@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news,click here!