Former Purdue star and NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore died Saturday in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana. The Boilermaker legend was only 25.
Police in New Albany told the Associated Press that Moore was found in a garage with what’s suspected to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. However, his death remains under investigation, and an autopsy is being conducted today.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore,” the Vikings said in a statement. “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. We have also been in communication with our players, coaches, and staff, and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need. Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family and friends during this devastating time.”
“I am devastated by the news of Rondale’s death,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “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.”
As a freshman at Purdue in 2018, Moore shined as a wide receiver in Jeff Brohm’s offense. He earned consensus first-team All-American honors as an all-purpose player.
Moore led the nation in receptions with 114 and paced the Big Ten in receiving yards with 1,258. He also led the league in touchdown catches (12) and was eighth in the country.
Moore added 213 rushing yards and two TDs on 21 attempts, averaging 10.1 yards per carry. He also had 744 return yards on special teams.
In 2019 as a sophomore, Moore got off to a fast start with 11 catches for 124 yards and one TD in a 34-31 loss at Nevada. In Week 2, Moore led Purdue to a 42-24 win over Vanderbilt by snagging 13 receptions for 220 yards and one TD.
However, a hamstring issue sidelined Moore for eight of the Boilermakers’ 12 regular-season games.
In 2020, Moore’s injury woes limited him to only three games in the COVID-shortened season. He made his debut at Minnesota, hauling in 15 receptions for 116 yards. He added 20 rushing yards and one TD on three carries.
In three games for the Boilermakers, Moore had 35 catches for 270 yards. He also had 32 rushing yards and one TD with a 5.3 YPC average.
In 20 career games at Purdue, Moore had 178 receptions for 1,915 yards and 14 TDs. He added 248 career rushing yards and three TDs, averaging 8.3 YPC.
The Arizona Cardinals made Moore their second-round pick with the 49th overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he started seven of 14 games, producing 54 catches on 64 targets for 435 yards and one TD. Moore also contributed 76 rushing yards on 18 totes for a 4.2 YPC average.
Moore brought in 41 receptions for 414 yards and one TD on 56 targets in his second NFL season.
In 2023, Moore played his final season for the Cardinals, snagging 40 catches on 62 targets for 352 yards and one TD. He added 178 rushing yards and one TD, averaging 6.4 YPC.
On March 14 of 2024, Arizona traded Moore to Atlanta for QB Desmond Ridder. As a lifetime Falcons fan, I was thrilled with the move.
But unfortunately, Moore sustained a season-ending knee injury during training camp on Aug. 8.
On March 9 of 2025, Moore inked a one-year contract worth $2 million with the Minnesota Vikings. But Moore went down yet again in a preseason game on Aug. 9, suffering yet another unfortunate season-ending knee injury.
“Can’t even begin to fathom or process this,” former Cardinals teammate J.J. Watt said on social media. “There’s just no way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in peace Rondale.”
“Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach,” said Louisville’s Brohm, who recruited Moore to Purdue. “The ultimate competitor that wouldn’t back down from any challenge. Rondale had a work ethic unmatched by anyone. A great teammate that would come through in any situation. 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.”