On Saturday, Rondale Moore passed away at just 25 years old. Local police revealed that the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver tragically died due to a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound in his garage.
Many NFL players were understandably devastated by the news of Moore’s tragic passing.
NFL Players React to Devastating News of Rondale Moore’s Death
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown, who played with Moore on the Arizona Cardinals, posted on X that he had just received a text message from Moore earlier on Saturday. Brown wrote, “Bro ain’t no way brotha you just messaged me few hours ago.”
Brown later added, “You wasn’t alone bro.. I told you I know how you feel.”
Bro ain’t no way brotha you just messaged me few hours ago 😢
— Hollywood Brown (@Primetime_jet) February 22, 2026
Zach Allen, who was also Moore’s teammate on the Cardinals, posted on X: “Rest in Peace Rondale… It was an honor to be your teammate. Always check on your people. You just never know.”
NFL legend J.J. Watt, who also played alongside Moore with the Cardinals, shared his emotions after learning of Moore’s death as well.
“Can’t even begin to fathom or process this. There’s just no way,” Watt posted on X. “Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in Peace Rondale.”
Can’t even begin to fathom or process this.
There’s just no way.
Way too soon.
Way too special.
So much left to give.Rest in Peace Rondale.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 22, 2026
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell issued a statement about Moore’s death on Saturday night.
“I am devastated by the news of Rondale’s death,” O’Connell said in the statement. “While Rondale had been a member of the Vikings for a short time, he was someone we 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.
“As a player, he was disciplined, dedicated, and resilient despite facing adversity multiple times as injuries sidelined him throughout his career,” O’Connell said. “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. My prayers are with Rondale’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches as we all deal with this tragic news.”
Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, one of Moore’s teammates in Minnesota, simply posted a prayer emoji in response to news of Moore’s death.
Two-time Super Bowl champion Justin Reid also shared a post mourning Moore.
“Rondale Moore…God rest his soul,” Reid posted on X,
Rondale Moore 🙏🏾🕊️ God rest his soul
— Justin Reid (@JustinqReid) February 22, 2026
Veteran wide receiver RayRay McCloud, who played with Moore on the Atlanta Falcons, was understandably shocked by the news.
McCloud simply posted on X, “Mannnn” followed by numerous crying emojis.
Mannnn😢😢😢😢😢
— RayRay McCloud III (@RMIII_34) February 22, 2026
Veteran NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, who played last season with the New York Giants, also reacted to Moore’s passing.
Wilson posted on X, “RIP Rondale Moore” followed by a praying hands emoji. “Heartbroken for your family, friends, & teammates.”
In a follow-up message, Wilson wrote: “God… we need You. Show me, my teammates, my brothers… how to help. Show us the way. We aren’t alone even when it feels like we are. Allow us to communicate to one another and pray for one another. We need you now!”
RIP Rondale Moore 🙏🏾
Heartbroken for your family, friends,
& teammates 🤍🕊️— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) February 22, 2026
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III could not believe the news about Moore’s death, either.
Griffin posted on X, “Dang. This is heartbreaking. … “Prayers up for the family and loved ones of Vikings WR Rondale Moore who has died at the age of 25.”
Dang. This is heartbreaking.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) February 22, 2026
NFL insider Jordan Schultz also posted a touching tribute to Moore.
“Former Cardinals WR Rondale Moore has passed away. A true tragedy. He was just 25 years old. RIP,” Schultz posted on X. “This is absolutely gutting. Rondale Moore was a special young man. And still so young, with so much life to live.”
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders shared a sad face in a post on X: “:(“.
Moore missed the last two seasons due to injuries. Across 39 NFL games, he caught 135 passes for 1,201 yards and 3 touchdowns while also rushing for 249 yards and a TD.
In times like these, the NFL world comes together and supports one another. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
