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02/22 00:53 CST NFL receiver Rondale Moore found dead in his Indiana hometown
NFL receiver Rondale Moore found dead in his Indiana hometown
NEW ALBANY, Ind. (AP) --- Rondale Moore, the NFL receiver who had season-ending
training camp knee injuries in each of the last two years after a standout
college career at Purdue and a promising start with the Arizona Cardinals, was
found dead Saturday, authorities said. He was 25.
Police said Moore died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. Moore was
found dead in the garage of a property in his hometown of New Albany, police
chief Todd Bailey said. The death remains under investigation.
Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin also confirmed Moore's death. He said an
autopsy would be conducted on Sunday.
After being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Moore dislocated his right
knee during training camp and never played for them. He signed with the
Minnesota Vikings in 2025, but he blew out his left knee while returning a punt
in their first exhibition game and spent another full season on injured
reserve. Moore was so distraught after immediately realizing the seriousness of
that injury that he slammed his hand down on a cart so hard the sound was
audible throughout the stadium.
The Vikings said they had spoken with Moore's family to offer condolences and
support.
"I am devastated by the news of Rondale's death. 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," coach Kevin O'Connell said in a statement distributed by
the team. "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."
In a statement, the Cardinals said they were "devastated and heartbroken."
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, teammates,
and everyone who loved him and had the privilege of knowing such a special
person," the team said in a social media post.
Moore grew up in New Albany, just across the Indiana border from Louisville,
Kentucky, and was a first team All-American as a freshman at Purdue in 2018.
"Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach. The ultimate competitor who
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 his competitive edge that always wanted to
please everyone he came in contact," Louisville coach Jeff Brohm said on social
media. Brohm was the coach at Purdue when Moore played there.
Drafted in the second round by the Cardinals in 2021, Moore had 1,201 receiving
yards and three touchdowns plus 249 rushing yards and one score over three
seasons. He served as their primary returner for kickoffs and punts as a rookie
before injuries pushed him away from that role.
"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."
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
