The NFL community is reeling from the tragic death of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore, who was found dead Saturday night at his home in Indiana. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown shared a deeply personal revelation, disclosing that Moore had sent him a message just hours before his death, a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to New Albany police.
The news sent shockwaves through the league, prompting an outpouring of grief, and remembrance. Brown’s disclosure highlights the close bonds forged between players and the profound impact of this loss. The incident underscores the importance of mental health awareness and support within the NFL and beyond. Moore’s death is the second among active NFL players in recent months, following the suicide of Marshawn Kneeland in November, further emphasizing the need for resources and open conversations about mental wellbeing.
“Bro ain’t no way brotha you just messaged me [a] few hours ago,” Brown wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. He followed with another post stating, “You wasn’t alone bro… I told you I know how you feel.” Brown also shared a series of tributes from fellow NFL players, including Raheem Mostert, Elijah Moore, and Jamal Adams, demonstrating the widespread grief felt across the league.
A Message of Support and Encouragement
Brown’s connection with Moore extends beyond the field. He shared a text exchange with Moore, revealing a heartfelt conversation following Moore’s latest season-ending injury. The exchange demonstrates Brown’s attempt to offer support and encouragement during a tough time. “Praying for you brother,” Brown wrote to Moore on February 21, 2026, with a praying hands emoji. “Sometimes in life when stuff don’t head as planned as frustrating as it may be have to always remember God is in control, his plan will always prevail all we can do is trust him and always remember someone has it worse. I’m here if you ever need to talk bro I know how s— feel it sucks dawg but knowing you, you built for this don’t give up.”
Bro ain’t no way brotha you just messaged me a few hours ago 💔
— Hollywood Brown (@Primetime_jet) February 22, 2026
New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey confirmed Moore was found in a garage with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound, and the investigation is ongoing. Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin also confirmed Moore’s death and stated an autopsy would be conducted on Sunday, according to The Kansas City Star.
Moore’s NFL Journey and Recent Struggles
Rondale Moore, 25, entered the NFL as a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, selected by the Arizona Cardinals after a standout career at Purdue University. He played three seasons with the Cardinals before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. However, his time in Atlanta was cut short due to a season-ending injury. He signed with the Vikings last year but missed the entire 2025 season while on injured reserve, having torn his ACL during the first preseason game on August 9, 2025.
The Minnesota Vikings also released a statement, with head coach Kevin O’Connell expressing his devastation. “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,” O’Connell said. “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. 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.”
The Arizona Cardinals also issued a statement, saying, “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who loved him and had the privilege of knowing such a special person.”
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the hidden battles many individuals face, even those who appear to have it all. The NFL community, and fans across the country, are grappling with the loss of a promising athlete and a young man whose life was cut short. The focus now shifts to supporting those who knew and loved Moore, and to continuing the conversation around mental health awareness and resources.
The investigation into Moore’s death remains active, and further details are expected to emerge following the completion of the autopsy. The NFL and its teams are likely to increase their focus on mental health support for players in the wake of this tragedy, ensuring resources are readily available to those who need them.
Please share your thoughts and condolences below. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for aid. You can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
