Rondale Moore, 25, Dies in Indiana; Police Say Gunshot Wound Suspected

Rondale Moore, a former star player for Purdue and the NFL, has died at 25. This is a tragic loss for the sports community.
By Newsroom | Sports, Crime |

Rondale Moore, a standout former Purdue University football player and recent NFL wide receiver, has died at the age of 25. Authorities in New Albany, Indiana, found Moore deceased on Saturday. Police stated the death is being investigated and initially pointed to a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound as the cause. The news has been confirmed by his former coach and sports organizations, prompting widespread tributes.

Moore, who grew up in New Albany, Indiana, gained recognition as an electrifying freshman at Purdue in 2018, earning multiple honors including Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Receiver of the Year. He amassed 1,258 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns that season, marking a significant impact.

Former Purdue, NFL receiver Moore dies at 25 - 1

His professional career saw him play with the Arizona Cardinals for three seasons before most recently being on the roster for the Minnesota Vikings. Throughout his NFL tenure, Moore recorded 1,201 receiving yards and three touchdowns across 39 games, though injuries reportedly limited his playing time in later seasons.

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Timeline of Events and Noteworthy Achievements

  • 2018: Rondale Moore begins his collegiate career at Purdue University. He achieves All-American honors and is named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Receiver of the Year after a breakout season.

  • Recorded 1,258 receiving yards, 12 receiving touchdowns, and 2,215 all-purpose yards.

  • Notably had 12 receptions for 170 yards and two touchdowns in Purdue's upset win over Ohio State.

  • Subsequent Seasons at Purdue: Moore's college career was affected by injuries, limiting his appearances in his sophomore and junior years.

  • NFL Draft: Selected by the Arizona Cardinals.

  • NFL Career (Cardinals): Played three seasons, starting 23 games and recording 1,201 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 135 catches. Also contributed 249 rushing yards and one touchdown.

  • Most Recent NFL Team: Spent time with the Minnesota Vikings.

  • February 2026 (exact date unspecified): Rondale Moore is found deceased in a garage in New Albany, Indiana. Police cite a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound and are investigating the incident.

Sporting Community Reactions

Tributes have poured in from the sporting world following the announcement of Moore's death.

Former Purdue, NFL receiver Moore dies at 25 - 2

"We offer all of our thoughts and prayers to Rondale and his family and we love him very much." - Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell

"Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family and friends during this devastating time." - Minnesota Vikings statement

Jeff Brohm, Moore's former coach at Purdue, confirmed the news via social media.

Hollywood Brown, a Kansas City Chiefs receiver who played with Moore in Arizona, mentioned messaging Moore "a few hours ago" prior to the news breaking.

The NFLPA also issued a statement acknowledging the loss.

Authorities' Initial Findings

New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey has been the primary source for information regarding the circumstances of Moore's death. He confirmed to multiple media outlets that Moore's body was discovered in a garage.

Former Purdue, NFL receiver Moore dies at 25 - 3

"Moore was found in a garage with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound," reported WHAS11, citing Chief Bailey.

The New Albany Police Department has stated they are actively investigating the incident.

Career Statistics Summary

SeasonTeamGames PlayedReceptionsReceiving YardsReceiving TDsRushing YardsRushing TDs
Purdue---1,915142483
NFLArizona23 (starts)1351,20132491
NFLMinnesota------
Total NFLCardinals-1351,4504--

Note: Total NFL yards from CBS Sports summary differs slightly from individual team season stats provided in other reports.

Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation

The untimely death of Rondale Moore at the age of 25 has sent shockwaves through the football community. Official statements from law enforcement in New Albany, Indiana, point towards a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. The New Albany Police Department is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses. Moore's significant contributions to both collegiate and professional football are being widely remembered and celebrated.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to former Purdue football player Rondale Moore?
Rondale Moore, 25, was found dead on Saturday in New Albany, Indiana. Police are investigating his death and have stated it appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Q: When and where was Rondale Moore found?
Rondale Moore was found deceased on Saturday in a garage in New Albany, Indiana. The exact date was February 2026.
Q: What was Rondale Moore known for?
Moore was a standout wide receiver for Purdue University, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2018. He later played in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings.
Q: What are the police saying about Rondale Moore's death?
The New Albany Police Department is investigating the death of Rondale Moore. Their initial findings point to a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Q: How did Rondale Moore perform in his football career?
In his freshman year at Purdue in 2018, Moore had 1,258 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. In the NFL, he recorded 1,201 receiving yards and three touchdowns over 39 games.