Rondale Moore, a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, has died at the age of 25. His body was found Saturday in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana. Authorities have stated the cause of death is a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Floyd County Coroner, Matthew Tomlin, confirmed Moore's death. An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday. New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey reported that Moore was discovered in a garage. While initial reports have focused on a suspected self-inflicted wound, the investigation is ongoing.
The NFL community and Moore's former teams, including the Minnesota Vikings and the Arizona Cardinals, have issued statements of condolence and offered support to his family and teammates.
Timeline of Events and Key Figures
The circumstances surrounding Moore's passing began to unfold on Saturday.
Saturday: Rondale Moore was found deceased in New Albany, Indiana.
Authorities involved: Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin and New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey have provided initial information.
Moore's Career: Moore played for the Minnesota Vikings. Previously, he was a standout college player at Purdue and spent time with the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL.
Official Statements and Initial Findings
"Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin did not share additional details on the circumstances of Moore's death but said there was no threat to the public and an autopsy would be conducted Sunday." (Article 1)
"Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore was found dead of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound in New Albany, Ind., police said Saturday." (Article 2)
"New Albany police chief Todd Bailey said Moore was found in a garage with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to local network WLKY." (Article 7)
"The Vikings said in a statement they have 'spoken with Rondale's family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings.'" (Article 1)
The core facts established are Moore's age (25), his team (Minnesota Vikings), the location of discovery (New Albany, Indiana), and the initial assessment of the cause of death by authorities as a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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Career Highlights and Background
Rondale Moore's football journey began with a notable college career at Purdue University. He earned All-American honors as a freshman, setting a high bar for his professional prospects.
Purdue University: Moore had a breakout freshman season, catching 114 passes for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns.
NFL Career: He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and later joined the Minnesota Vikings.
With the Cardinals, he played three seasons, starting 23 games and accumulating 1,915 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. He also had rushing statistics with the team.
Moore experienced season-ending knee injuries in training camp in each of his last two years prior to his death.
Moore's collegiate success and promising start in the NFL were followed by injury setbacks, leading up to his recent involvement with the Minnesota Vikings.
Community and Team Responses
The news of Rondale Moore's death has prompted reactions from across the NFL and from his former institutions.
Minnesota Vikings: The team has offered condolences and support to Moore's family, stating they have "spoken with Rondale's family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings." Head Coach Kevin O'Connell also released a statement.
Purdue Coach Jeff Brohm: Confirmed the news via social media, expressing thoughts and prayers for Moore and his family.
NFL Players: Several players, including Kansas City Chiefs receiver Hollywood Brown, who played with Moore in Arizona, have posted tributes on social media platform X.
NFLPA: Issued a statement expressing condolences to Moore's family, teammates, and loved ones.
The widespread tributes underscore Moore's impact on the football community and the sorrow felt by those who knew him and followed his career.
Official Investigation and Autopsy
The Floyd County Coroner's office and New Albany Police are handling the ongoing investigation.
Autopsy: Scheduled for Sunday, this examination is expected to provide more definitive information regarding the cause of death.
Police Statement: Chief Todd Bailey indicated that Moore was found with a "suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound."
Public Safety: Authorities have stated that there is "no threat to the public."
While police have offered a preliminary cause of death, the formal autopsy results will be critical in confirming the official findings of the investigation.
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Conclusion and Next Steps
Rondale Moore, a 25-year-old wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, was found deceased in New Albany, Indiana. Authorities are investigating the circumstances, with initial reports pointing to a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. An autopsy is pending.
The investigation will seek to confirm the cause of death and gather further details surrounding the events leading to Moore's passing. The Minnesota Vikings organization, along with other figures in the NFL and college football, have expressed their grief and offered support to Moore's family and friends.
Sources
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-wide-receiver-rondale-moore-dies-at-age-of-25 - Reported the initial confirmation of death and provided details on official statements.
The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7063110/2026/02/21/vikings-rondale-moore-dies-at-25/ - Provided details on the suspected cause of death and NFL player reactions.
Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/rondale-moore-death-minnesota-vikings-0b2a5755cc0687dc71070d56cad9dd62 - Reported Moore's hometown discovery and previous career setbacks due to injury.
USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/02/21/rondale-moore-dies-25-years-old-minnesota-vikings-jeff-brohm/88804872007/ - Confirmed the date of death and mentioned reactions from figures like Jeff Brohm and Hollywood Brown.
ESPN: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/48000896/former-purdue-nfl-wide-receiver-rondale-moore-dies-age-25 - Detailed Moore's college statistics and confirmed his passing.
CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/rondale-moore-dies-purdue-vikings-cardinals/ - Provided details on his NFL yardage and touchdowns, and identified police chief Todd Bailey.
The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rondale-moore-vikings-cause-of-death-b2925133.html - Specifically highlighted the police statement regarding the suspected cause of death and location.
E! Online: https://www.eonline.com/news/1428817/minnesota-vikings-rondale-moore-dead - Reiterated the suspected cause of death and the involvement of police chief Todd Bailey.
