Cause of death is under investigation; an autopsy has been scheduled by the Floyd County Coroner's Office in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana

MINNEAPOLIS — February 21, 2026 — The NFL world is in mourning tonight following the shocking and sudden death of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore. Moore passed away at the age of 25, with his death confirmed by the Floyd County Coroner in Kentucky. 

A cause of death is currently under investigation, with an autopsy scheduled by the Floyd County Coroner's Office. The Minnesota Vikings confirmed the news to The Athletic, stating the franchise is actively gathering information. 

Moore's passing comes as a devastating blow to the NFL community, and represents a tragic chapter for a young player whose career was defined by flashes of brilliance repeatedly interrupted by injury. Moore signed with the Vikings ahead of the 2025 season and was projected to fill a WR3 or WR4 role in head coach Kevin O'Connell's offense, but suffered a season-ending knee injury on a punt return in the second quarter of the team's first preseason game on August 9, 2025 — the first time he touched the ball in a game as a Viking. 

Before his time in Minnesota, Moore had missed the entire 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons after tearing his ACL in training camp, making it back-to-back lost seasons for the explosive young receiver. 

Originally selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 49th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Moore spent his first three NFL seasons in Arizona before signing with Atlanta in 2024. During his time with the Cardinals, Moore recorded 135 receptions for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns, and was also a weapon on special teams, averaging 22.4 yards per punt return. 

Before the NFL, Moore was one of the most electrifying players in college football. A consensus All-American and Paul Warfield Trophy winner in 2018 at Purdue, Moore amassed 1,258 receiving yards, 213 rushing yards, and 14 total touchdowns in a single freshman season, immediately establishing himself as one of the most explosive players in the country. 

His college coach, Purdue's Jeff Brohm, released an emotional statement following the news. "Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach. 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." 

Moore's death marks the second time in less than two years that an active player on the Vikings' roster has died. 2024 draft pick Khyree Jackson was tragically killed in a car accident in July of 2024. 

Moore was born in New Albany, Indiana on June 9, 2000 and would have turned 26 this coming June. He is survived by his family and remembered by teammates, coaches, and fans across the football world.

This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.