NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore has died at the age of 25.
Police in New Albany, Indiana, Moore’s hometown, said Moore was found dead last Saturday and suspect he committed suicide.
His death is currently under investigation and an autopsy is scheduled to be performed on Sunday.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Lawndale Moore,” the NFL said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Lawndale’s family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”
Moore was a second-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals out of Purdue in the 2021 NFL Draft and was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024 after spending three years with the team.
He missed the entire 2024 campaign after suffering a late-year knee injury during training camp before signing a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025.
Moore will miss his second straight season after suffering a knee injury during the preseason.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore,” the Vikings said in a statement. “We have spoken with Rondale’s family to offer our condolences and our full support to the Minnesota Vikings as we work to understand the facts. We have also communicated with players, coaches and staff and will provide counseling and emotional support resources to anyone in need. Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family and friends during this devastating time.”
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell added he was “devastated” by the news of Moore’s death.
“Lawndale has been a member of the Vikings for only a short time, but he is someone we know well and care deeply about,” Coach O’Connell said in a statement. “He was a humble, gentle and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots. As a player, he was disciplined, dedicated and resilient despite facing multiple adversities due to injuries throughout his career. We are all heartbroken that he will not be able to continue his NFL dream and we will not have the opportunity to see him flourish.”
Over three campaigns in Arizona, Moore has 135 catches for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns.
“We were shocked and heartbroken to hear the news today regarding Rondale Moore,” the Cardinals said in a statement. “We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates and everyone who loved him and was privileged to know such a special person.”
Moore was a standout first-team All-American as a freshman at Purdue in 2018 after recording 114 catches for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns to win the Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player in college football.
By the end of 2020, he was one of the most explosive and highly regarded versatile wide receiver prospects heading into the NFL Draft.
Louisville coach Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, said on social media, “Londale Moore has been an absolute pleasure to coach.” “A top competitor who never backed down from any challenge. Rondale had a work ethic like no other. A great teammate who could get through any situation. We all loved Rondale. We loved Rondale. We loved his smile and his competitive edge of always wanting to please everyone he came in contact with.”
Former Cardinals teammate JJ Watt was among the admirers on social media.
“You can’t even guess or process this,” Watt said. “There’s no way. It’s too soon. You’re too special. You have too much to give. Rest in peace Lawndale.”
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