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Topics: US News, Mental Health, Sport, NFL
Poppy Bilderbeck
Topics: US News, Mental Health, Sport, NFL
Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Wide receiver Rondale Moore has passed away at the age of 25 with the Minnesota Vikings offering 'emotional support resources' to 'anyone in need'.
The 25-year-old was found dead on February 21 in the garage of his house in the 1600 block of Ekin Avenue in New Albany, New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey confirmed to The Associated Press.
The NFL star is suspected as having died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police state. Moore's death was confirmed by Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin. The investigation into Moore's death remains ongoing.
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Tributes to the Viking have flooded in on social media, with the NFL releasing a statement via X.
Sharing a black and white image of Moore, the NFL said: "The NFL is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Rondale Moore.
"Our thoughts are with Rondale's family, friends and teammates during this difficult time."
And the Minnesota Vikings has spoken out too.
After playing college football for the Purdue Boilermakers, Moore was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals.
He spent three seasons with the team before signing with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, however, he didn't play with them as a result of injuries.
Moore later signed with the Minnesota Vikings but suffered a knee injury and sat out of another season.
The Minnesota Vikings said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rondale Moore. While we are working to understand the facts, we have spoken with Rondale's family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings.
"We have also been in communication with our players, coaches, and staff, and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need. Our thoughts are with Rondale's family and friends during this devastating time."
And head coach of the Vikings, Kevin O'Connell, also spoke out about the 'humble' athlete.
Despite Moore only being 'a member of the Vikings for a short time,' O'Connell reflected on the NFL star as someone the team 'came to know well and care about deeply'.
"He was a humble, soft-spoken, and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots," the coach continued. "As a player, he was disciplined, dedicated and resilient despite facing adversity multiple times as injuries sidelined him throughout his career."
He resolved: "We are all heartbroken by the fact he won't continue to live out his NFL dream and we won't all have a chance to watch him flourish."
And fans of the star have similarly paid tribute online.
Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho wrote: "To all of my followers I say two things: If you can identify with Rondale Moore, please know you are valuable, loved and have a purpose.
"If you have someone in your life who may have withdrawn lately, send them the text, check on them, and bother them with excessive love.
"Rondale, you lived well and you excelled greatly. RIP."
Another added: "Life really isn’t fair sometimes. A young man chasing his dream, taken too soon.
Hug your people tight. Tomorrow isn’t promised."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.