New Albany, Indiana — Rondell Moore, the NFL shortstop who suffered season-ending knee injuries in training camp each of the past two years after a standout college career at Purdue and a promising start with the Arizona Cardinals, was found dead Saturday, authorities said. He was 25 years old.
Police said Moore died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police Chief Todd Bailey said Moore was found dead in the garage of a property in his hometown of New Albany. The death remains under investigation.
Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin also confirmed Moore’s death. He added that an autopsy will be conducted on the body on Sunday.
After being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Moore dislocated his right knee during training camp and never played for them. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, but fractured 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 on the cart with such force that the sound was heard throughout the stadium.
The Vikings said they spoke with Moore’s family to offer condolences and support.
“I am devastated by the news of Rondell’s passing. While Rondell was a member of the Vikings for a short time, he was someone we knew well and cared deeply about,” coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement distributed by the team. “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 several times as injuries sidelined him throughout his career. We are all saddened by the fact that he will not go on to fulfill his NFL dream and we will not all have the opportunity to watch him flourish.”
The Cardinals said in a statement that they were “devastated and devastated.”
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, teammates and everyone who loved him and had the honor of knowing such a special person,” the team said in a post on social media.
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 University in 2018.
“Rondell Moore was an absolute joy to coach. The ultimate competitor who would not back down from any challenge. Rondell had a work ethic that was unmatched by anyone. A great teammate who could come through in any situation. We all loved Rondell; we loved his smile and competitiveness that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact with,” Louisville coach Jeff Brohm said on social media. Broome was Purdue’s coach when Moore played there.
Drafted in the second round by the Cardinals in 2021, Moore had 1,201 receiving yards and three touchdowns as well as 249 receiving yards and one score over three seasons. He served as their primary returner on kickoffs and punts as a rookie before injuries pushed him out of that role.
“I can’t even begin to understand or process this,” former Cardinals teammate JJ Watt said on social media. “No way. Way too early. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in peace Rondell.”
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