NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore has died at the age of 25, his former college coach Jeff Brohm confirmed on Saturday. Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue University, described him as a joy to coach and a great teammate.
Police in Moore's hometown of New Albany, Indiana, believe the player took his own life, although the death remains under investigation. Several former teammates paid tribute, including JJ Watt, who called it 'way too soon'.
Moore was born prematurely and went on to excel in multiple sports before earning a football scholarship to Purdue, where he won the Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player in college football. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2021 and later traded to the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings, but struggled with injuries.
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell expressed devastation at the news, praising Moore's resilience and character. Moore is survived by his family, including his mother Quincy Ricketts.
