NEW ALBANY, Ind.
Rondale Moore, an NFL receiver whose promising career was repeatedly derailed by devastating knee injuries, was found dead Saturday in his Indiana hometown. He was 25.
Police said Moore died of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers discovered his body in the garage of a property in New Albany, Police Chief Todd Bailey said.
An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday, according to Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin.
The Minnesota Vikings, with whom Moore had signed in 2025, released a statement confirming they had spoken with his family to offer condolences and support.
Moore’s professional trajectory was marked by flashes of brilliance shadowed by misfortune. After a standout college career at Purdue, he showed promise with the Arizona Cardinals before suffering season-ending training camp knee injuries in each of the last two years.
Traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Moore dislocated his right knee during training camp and never played a down for them.
He signed with the Vikings the following year, only to blow out his left knee while returning a punt in their first exhibition game. He spent another full season on injured reserve.
Those close to him recalled the moment Moore realized the severity of the second injury—he was so distraught he slammed his hand down on a cart with such force the sound echoed throughout the stadium.
By James Kisoo
