Players around NFL mourn Rondale Moore, urge mental-health awareness

Players around the NFL expressed grief and emphasized the importance of mental health following the death of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore on Saturday.

Police said Moore, 25, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the garage of a property in New Albany, Ind., where he started his high school football career. New Albany is about three hours south of West Lafayette, Ind., home of the Purdue Boilermakers, where Moore starred as a receiver from 2018 to 2020.

A second-round selection by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2021 NFL Draft, Moore played his first three seasons with the Cardinals before injuries kept him off the field each of the past two years.

In the 24 hours since Moore’s death, several players took to social media to mourn the gifted receiver and advocate for supporting others going through difficult circumstances.

Jamal Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders posted on X: “I’m not jumping to conclusions, but let me say this. Fans and media be quick to label a player ‘injury prone’ We don’t choose to get hurt … . No matter how much support you get, you still gotta fight that battle alone.

“Prayers up for Rondale Moore and his family. He was a baller, no question.”

Darius Slay of the Buffalo Bills posted on X: “Check in on your people man!!”

Maxx Crosby of the Raiders posted a video tribute on X recalling playing against Purdue: “That’s the coldest dude I’ve ever been on the field with up to that point. He was like Tyreek Hill in college. …

“Check on your people. Too much hate in this world. … Take care of your people, man.”

Quarterback Kyler Murray, Moore’s teammate all three of his seasons with the Cardinals, posted an Instagram reel that also appeared on X: “I just spoke to you bro. Blessed to have been able to share this life with you. I pray you’re in a better place now Ra … ”

Kansas City Chiefs receiver Hollywood Brown, who also played with Moore in Arizona, posted multiple messages on X: “Bro ain’t no way brotha you just messaged me few hours ago 😢 … You wasn’t alone bro.. I told you I know how you feel.”

Denver Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen, another former Cardinals teammate, posted on X: “Rest in Peace Rondale 🕊️. It was an honor to be your teammate. Always check on your people. You just never know.”

An Instagram post from Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. showed happy moments with Moore, who was his teammate in 2024: “I can not believe I’m posting this .. my heart is broke dawg why dawg … I’m praying you finally at peace but damn dawg (sad-face emoji).”

Moore was the second active NFL player in the last 3 1/2 months to die from an apparent self-inflicted wound. In early November, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died by suicide after police pursued him in a chase involving speeds of more than 145 mph. Kneeland, 24, had sent text messages that prompted the team’s chief of security to request police conduct a welfare check on Kneeland.

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