Rondale Moore, a former Purdue football star who went on to play wide receiver in the NFL, died Saturday of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the New Albany Police Department. Moore was 25.
The New Albany Police Department said it is conducting an investigation and will not be releasing any additional information at this time.
Matthew Tomlin, Floyd County (Indiana) coroner, said an autopsy will be performed Sunday.
Moore was a first-team All-State selection as a senior at Trinity High School in Louisville in 2017 and went on to play three seasons at Purdue (2018-20).
Purdue University’s football program released the following statement: “The Purdue Football family is deeply saddened by the news of Rondale Moore’s tragic passing. An All-American with an infectious smile, Rondale was a joy on and off the field. Someone who left this world too soon, Rondale will be remembered as a legendary Boilermaker.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Rondale’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Rondale Moore played just 20 games in a Purdue football uniform, but it was enough to leave a legacy in West Lafayette.
Against second-ranked Ohio State on Oct. 20, 2018, dubbed the Tyler Trent game, Moore had 12 catches for 170 yards and two touchdowns to lead Purdue to a 49-20 upset, one of many highlight performances during Moore’s All-American freshman season.
Moore had 114 receptions for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with two rushing touchdowns, in 13 games during the 2018 season under head coach Jeff Brohm.
Moore was the Big Ten’s Freshman of the Year and Receiver of the Year that season. His 114 receptions are second most in a single season at Purdue and his receiving yard total from 2018 ranks fourth all-time in program annals.
Injuries would limit Moore to just seven games over his final two seasons at Purdue, but when available, Moore still showed flashes of his ability, including a 13-catch, 220-yard performance in a Sept. 7, 2019, win over Vanderbilt. That mark is the fourth most receiving yards in a single game in Purdue history.
The Arizona Cardinals selected Moore with the 49th pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Moore totaled 135 catches for 1,201 yards and four total touchdowns in 39 games with the Cardinals before injuries kept him from competing the past two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings, respectively.
University of Louisville football coach Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, released the following statement on X:
“Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach. The ultimate competitor that wouldn’t back down from any challenge. Rondale had a work ethic unmatched by anyone. A great teammate what 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.”
Moore’s final Instagram post was these song lyrics:
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; Follow on X @kyhighs.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Rondale Moore, former Purdue star and NFL WR, dies at 25; what we know
Reporting by Jason Frakes and Sam King, Louisville Courier Journal / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
