Former ATL Falcons Player Rondale Moore Dead At 25

NEW ALBANY, IN — Rondale Moore, a 25-year-old wide receiver who was once signed to the Atlanta Falcons, was found dead Saturday in his Indiana home, according to news outlets.

Officers suspect Moore died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his garage, New Albany (Indiana) Police Chief Todd Bailey told the Associated Press. An official ruling has not been revealed.

"Rest in peace, Rondale Moore. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rondale’s family and friends," the Falcons said in a Facebook post published Saturday.

Though Moore was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, he never received the chance to play for the team in the regular season after he dislocated his right knee during training camp.

He then 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.

"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. He was a humble, soft-spoken and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots," Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell said in a statement published Saturday.

"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."

Before the Vikings, the former Purdue University graduate and football star spent time with the Arizona Cardinals from 2021-23.

Drafted in the second round by the Cardinals, 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.”

The Cardinals expressed being heartbroken by the news and sent their condolences to those who knew and loved Moore.

In a statement, the Purdue football team said Moore "will be remembered as a legendary Boilermaker." The team noted Moore's "infectious smile" and said he was a "joy on and off the field."

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.

Moore died the day before the death of former Vikings defensive back Ronyell Whitaker, a former Virginia Tech star has been signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Vikings and the Detroit Lions during his NFL career. He also played for the Canadian Football League with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers before retiring.

Editor's Note: If you or somebody you know needs mental health support, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Domestic dispute help is available by contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visiting thehotline.org.

The Associated Press contributed reporting and writing for this article.