NFL receiver Ronald Moore dies at age of 25: ‘Way too soon. Way too special’

Former NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore died on Saturday at the age of 25, his former college coach, Jeff Brohm, has confirmed.

“Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach,” Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, said in a statement. “The ultimate competitor that wouldn’t back down from any challenge. Rondale had a work ethic unmatched by anyone. A great teammate that would come through in any situation. We all loved Rondale, 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, we love him very much.”

Police in Moore’s home town of New Albany, Indiana, told WHAS that the player had taken his own life.

Moore was a standout in basketball and football in high school before winning a football scholarship to Purdue. He impressed NFL scouts with his speed, versatility and work ethic despite his small stature – he was listed at 5ft 7in and and 181 lbs – and was drafted in the second round by the Arizona Cardinals in 2021.

In his second career start he caught a 77-yard touchdown pass from Kyler Murray but struggled with injuries in his next two seasons with the Cardinals. He was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 but was again sidelined through injury. He signed a contract with the Minnesota Vikings last season and missed the entire season after suffering a second serious knee injury in two years.

Moore was popular in the locker room, and several of his former teammates paid tribute to him on social media on Saturday.

“Can’t even begin to fathom or process this,” wrote three-time defensive player of the year JJ Watt, who played alongside Moore in Arizona. “There’s just no way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in Peace Rondale.”

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