NFL star Rondale Moore dead at 25: Tributes pour in as loss of Vikings receiver sends shockwaves through football

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore has been declared dead in Indiana.

The 25-year-old New Albany, Indiana resident was found in his garage with what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, New Albany police chief Todd Bailey told Ahmad Hicks of Indianapolis’ Fox affiliate.

The Floyd County Coroner said an autopsy has been scheduled but a cause of death remains under investigation. 

Moore’s college coach, Purdue’s Jeff Brohm, has released a statement.

‘Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach,’ Brohm said. ‘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!!!’

The Daily Mail has reached out to New Albany Police and Vikings spokespeople for more information.  

Moore was the 2017 Gatorade Kentucky Player of the Year at Louisville’s trinity high school, where he became one of the most coveted recruits in the country.

The diminutive wideout stood just 5ft7, but still succeeded at Purdue, winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Receiver of the Year honors in 2018. Moore graduated from Purdue in 2020, completing a degree in selling and sales management while earning an impressive 3.5 GPA.

In 2021, the Arizona Cardinals picked Moore in the second round of the NFL Draft. He would go on to play for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 before signing a one-year, $2 million