EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings are mourning the loss of receiver Rondale Moore, who was found deceased Saturday in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana.
The Minnesota Vikings released the following statement:
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore. While we are working to understand the facts, we have spoken with Rondale's family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings. We have also been in communication with our players, coaches, and staff, and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need. Our thoughts are with Rondale's family and friends during this devastating time."
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell released the following statement:
"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. 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."
Moore, who was just 25 years old, had joined Minnesota last March during the 2025 free agency cycle, but his new opportunity was affected when he suffered a severe left knee injury while returning a punt in the preseason opener against Houston. It was his lone snap in Purple.
Moore followed his successful high school career, which included a basketball title in Indiana before transferring and winning a football title in Kentucky (as well as 2017 Gatorade Kentucky Player of the Year honors), by dazzling as a freshman at Purdue.
WLKY.com in Louisville, Kentucky, published the following statement from Jeff Brohm, Moore's college coach at Purdue:
"Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach. The ultimate competitor that would never back down to any challenge. Rondale has a work ethic that was unmatched by anyone. A great teammate that would come through in any situation. We all loved Rondale and we loved his smile and competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact with. We offer all of our thoughts and prayers to Rondale and his family, and we love him very much!!!"
Although Moore dealt with injuries in college, the playmaking potential and unquestioned work ethic led to him being selected in the second round by the Arizona Cardinals in 2021. In just his second pro game, Moore recorded his first career touchdown, zooming for a 77-yard score against the Vikings and finishing with seven catches for 114 yards.
Moore's time with Arizona was impacted by injuries, but he was starting to shine during 2024 training camp with the Atlanta Falcons when he suffered a season-ending injury. He worked back from it and was looking forward to contributing to the Vikings.
Moore totaled 135 catches for 1,201 yards and rushed 52 times for 249 yards. He scored four total touchdowns (three receiving, one rushing), returned 22 punts for 182 yards (8.3 avg.) and 13 kickoffs for 291 yards (22.4 avg.).
