Liputan6.com, Jakarta - National Football League (NFL), was shocked by the sad news of the passing of talented wide receiver Rondale Moore.
The 25-year-old was found dead on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana.
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According to a report from the New Albany police department, Moore was found dead in a garage on a property, with the initial cause of death being a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026, to determine the exact cause of death.
Rondale Moore's sudden passing has sparked a wave of condolences from across the globe, including from the NFL, his former teams, and the coaches who knew him.
Condolences and Official Statement
The Floyd County Coroner's Office officially confirmed the death of Rondale Moore to WHAS11 on Saturday night, confirming the widespread grief.
The NFL also issued a statement expressing its deep sorrow for the loss of one of its players.
The Minnesota Vikings, Moore's last team, also issued a statement offering their full support to the family.
"We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Rondale Moore," the Vikings said in a statement.
"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."
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell expressed his "utter sadness" at the news, describing Moore as a "humble, gentle, and respectful young man."
Furthermore, the Arizona Cardinals, the team that selected Moore in the NFL Draft, also sent their condolences on the athlete's passing.
University of Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, remembered his former protégé as "a fierce competitor who would never give up on any challenge," reflecting Moore's dedication to his career.
Rondale Moore: Early Life and Education
Rondale DaSean Moore was born on June 9, 2000, in New Albany, Indiana, United States.
Standing 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall and weighing 181 pounds (82 kg), Moore grew up in the same neighborhood as former NBA player Romeo Langford, and the two played basketball together until their sophomore year of high school.
He attended New Albany High School, where he was a key member of the Indiana 4A state basketball championship team in 2016.
He then transferred to Trinity High School in Louisville.
There, Moore emerged as a four-star football recruit and contributed significantly to the football team's 2017 Kentucky 6A state championship win with a perfect 15-0 record.
In 2017, he was named the Gatorade Kentucky Player of the Year, a prestigious award recognizing the state's top athlete.
He also received the Paul Hornung Award, given to the best high school player in Kentucky.
Rondale Moore's Brilliant Career on the Gridiron
Rondale DaSean Moore made a stellar start to his college football career with the Purdue Boilermakers.
In his freshman season in 2018, he immediately set a program record with 313 all-purpose yards in his first game.
He finished the season with impressive statistics, including 114 catches for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns, and 21 rushes for 213 yards and two touchdowns.
Furthermore, Moore also demonstrated his ability in the return game, returning 33 kickoffs for 662 yards and 12 punt returns for 82 yards.
His outstanding performance earned him a consensus All-American as a freshman, the first in the Big Ten since 2004.
He also earned the Paul Hornung Award as the nation's most versatile player.
After a stellar college career, Rondale Moore stepped into the NFL after being selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round (49th overall pick) of the 2021 NFL Draft.
During his three seasons with the Cardinals (2021-2023), he showed great potential, despite being hampered by injuries.
In his rookie season, he recorded 54 catches for 435 yards and one touchdown in 14 games.
Unfortunately, Moore's NFL career has been plagued by injuries.
After being traded to the Atlanta Falcons before the 2024 season, he suffered a knee injury during training camp and was unable to play.
Then, after signing with the Minnesota Vikings in March 2025, he suffered another knee injury while returning a punt in a preseason game, which sidelined him for the entire season.