Former Purdue, NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore dies at age 25 - ESPN

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by Kevin Seifert

February 22, 2026

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Former Purdue and NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore tragically passed away at the age of 25 following a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound in his hometown garage. Police confirmed his death on Saturday, with an autopsy scheduled to provide further details. Moore had been struggling with injuries in recent years, including a season-ending knee injury sustained during the Vikings' preseason opener earlier this month. His untimely passing has left the sports world in mourning, as colleagues and fans reflect on his promising career and his impact on those around him. Moore was a standout player at Purdue University, earning first-team All-American honors and the Paul Hornung Award for versatility as a freshman in 2018. Despite his talent, his NFL career was frequently derailed by injuries, including a dislocated knee sustained while playing for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, which sidelined him for two seasons. He joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2025 but faced another setback when he suffered a left knee injury during a preseason game, ending his season prematurely. The Vikings and Arizona Cardinals, where Moore spent three seasons, released statements expressing their condolences. Both organizations emphasized their commitment to supporting Moore's family and offering emotional resources to those affected by this loss. Coaches and teammates shared heartfelt memories of Moore, highlighting his resilience, work ethic, and kind nature. Kevin O'Connell, the Vikings' head coach, described Moore as a "humble, soft-spoken, and respectful young man" who faced adversity with dignity. His passing leaves a void in the NFL community, as he was seen as someone with the potential to excel despite his challenges. Moore's legacy as a competitor and teammate is being celebrated by those who knew him best. The tragic death of

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/22/2026