Two-Sport High School State Champion Rondale Moore Passes Away

The NFL is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the former All-American and NFL player at age 26.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rondale Moore, a two-sport high school state champion in basketball and football, passed away at the age of 26 in his hometown of New Albany, Indiana. Moore had a successful college career at Purdue and was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, playing for several teams over the next few years before his untimely death.

Why it matters

Moore's passing is a tragic loss for the sports community, as he was a highly talented and versatile athlete who achieved great success at the high school and college levels before making it to the NFL. His story highlights the risks and challenges that young athletes can face both on and off the field.

The details

Moore won state championships in basketball and football in high school, first at New Albany High School in Indiana and then at Trinity High School in Kentucky after transferring. He went on to have an impressive college career at Purdue, where he was named the Big Ten Receiver of the Year, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and a consensus All-American. Moore was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft and played for several teams over the next few years, but his career was cut short by injuries. The investigation into his death remains open, but it is being reported that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

  • Moore passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • He won the Indiana high school basketball state championship in 2016.
  • He won the Kentucky high school football state championship in 2017.
  • Moore was named the Big Ten Receiver of the Year, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and a consensus All-American in 2018 at Purdue.
  • Moore was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

The players

Rondale Moore

A two-sport high school state champion in basketball and football who went on to have a successful college career at Purdue and was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL before his untimely passing at the age of 26.

Romeo Langford

A former NBA player who played with Rondale Moore at New Albany High School in Indiana, where they won the 2016 Class 4A state basketball championship.

Trinity High School

The Kentucky high school that Rondale Moore transferred to, where he helped the team win the 2017 Class 6A state football championship.

Purdue University

The college where Rondale Moore played football, where he was named the Big Ten Receiver of the Year, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and a consensus All-American in 2018.

Arizona Cardinals

The NFL team that drafted Rondale Moore in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

An autopsy is scheduled and the investigation into Rondale Moore's death remains open.

The takeaway

Rondale Moore's passing is a tragic loss for the sports community, as he was a highly talented and versatile athlete who achieved great success at the high school and college levels before making it to the NFL. His story highlights the risks and challenges that young athletes can face both on and off the field, and the importance of providing mental health support and resources for players at all levels of competition.