Explore the life of Vikings WR Rondale Moore, from his $8.9M career earnings to his historic Purdue legacy and the tragic news of his passing at 25.
Rondale Moore Dead at 25: Net Worth, Girlfriend, Career Earnings, NFL Journey (Image Source:X)
The NFL world is reeling after the sudden death of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore. He was just 25. On Saturday, February 21, 2026, police found Moore in a garage in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana.
New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey confirmed the discovery, and early reports from the Floyd County Coroner suggest he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation is still open.
Moore had once lit up Purdue’s football field and went on to become a second-round pick in the NFL. But after a brutal knee injury in the 2025 preseason, he spent the year on the Vikings’ injured reserve list.
Now, his loss has left the NFL community stunned. People are pouring out their grief and, once again, talking seriously about the mental health struggles pro athletes face, especially when injuries keep them off the field.
My heart breaks for Rondale Moore and his family. I hate suicide because I know it’s more than a mental battle. It’s a spiritual battle and there is an evil in this world that seeks to steal the future of men and women of all ages. Rondale would not choose to have those negative…
— Jon Gordon (@JonGordon11) February 22, 2026
Rondale Moore grew up in New Albany, Indiana, born on June 9, 2000. Even before he hit the NFL, people knew his name as he was just that fast and that electric on the field. He went to Trinity High School in Kentucky, snagged four stars as a recruit, and then picked Purdue for college. That’s where he really exploded onto the scene. Moore put together one of the best freshman seasons in college football history.
He was not tall ( 5'7"), but he made up for it with a 42.5-inch vertical and a ridiculous 4.32-second 40-yard dash. Coaches, teammates, fans, everyone talked about how hard he worked and how his energy just pulled people in.
| College | Purdue Boilermakers | 2018 Paul Hornung Award; 2,215 All-Purpose Yards (Season Record) |
| NFL Draft | Arizona Cardinals | 2021 Second Round (49th Overall Pick) |
| NFL Career | Cardinals (2021-23) | 135 Receptions, 1,201 Yards, 3 TDs; 77-Yard TD in Week 2 |
| Last Team | Minnesota Vikings | Signed 1-year deal in 2025; Placed on IR (Knee) |
Moore made a good chunk of money from the draft and professional contracts despite the injuries that cut his playing time short. A big part of his financial success came from the hefty rookie contract he signed in Arizona, plus the last "prove it" deal he got from Minnesota.
| Total Career Earnings | $8.92 Million |
| Arizona Cardinals Contract | $6.92 Million (4 Years) |
| Minnesota Vikings Contract | $2.00 Million (1 Year) |
| 2026 Estimated Net Worth | $3 Million - $5 Million |
| Largest Single Cash Payout | $3.05 Million (2021 Signing Bonus + Salary) |
Rondale Moore was well known for being very secretive about his personal life. It is said he kept his family and romantic relationships away from the media spotlight. Publicly, he was never a girlfriend or spouse, and his social networks showed almost no other sides of his life except his craft, training, and recovery.
His mom, Quincy Ricketts, had always been a major source of strength to Rondale, and he often referred to their relationship as a reason for his toughness.
Also Read: NFL Shock: Vikings WR Rondale Moore Dies at 25; Final Instagram Post And Cause of Death Explained
