The NFL community is in mourning after the sudden death of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore at just 25. Tributes quickly flooded social media from current and former players, including JJ Watt and Marquise Brown, who remembered the young playmaker’s talent and character as the league reels from the heartbreaking loss.
Tributes pour in for Vikings’ Rondale Moore after his death
Rondale Moore was found dead on February 21 in New Albany. Police said the case involves a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 25. Officials confirmed an autopsy was planned as the investigation moved forward. The wide receiver had joined the Minnesota Vikings less than a year ago.
Messages from around the league followed quickly. Former Arizona teammate and current Chiefs receiver Marquise Brown posted a screenshot of their texts and wrote, “I love you, bro. I always wanted to speak life into you, fam.” Meanwhile, Steelers star JJ Watt shared his disbelief online, writing, “Can’t even begin to fathom or process this. There’s just no way. Way too soon. Way too special.”
Head coach Kevin O’Connell reacted with a heartfelt message on X after the news broke. He said he was devastated by Moore’s passing and described him as “a humble, soft-spoken, and respectful young man.” O’Connell further added that the organization is heartbroken that it will not get to watch Moore continue pursuing his NFL dream.
Moore first made waves at Purdue University before the Arizona Cardinals picked him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Injuries kept getting in his way at the pro level. He later had a stint with the Atlanta Falcons and eventually signed in Minnesota ahead of the 2025 season, but another torn ACL landed him back on injured reserve.
Even with the setbacks, people around the league never questioned his work ethic. Former Purdue coach Jeff Brohm praised Moore as “a complete joy to coach” and called him the ultimate competitor. Teammates and coaches shared similar memories. They remembered a dynamic talent whose promise and life ended far too early.
