Kansas City Chiefs star Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown has revealed that he was in touch with Rondale Moore just hours before the NFL player’s death.
On Saturday night it emerged that the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver had passed away at the age of 25. Moore was found in his garage with what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police chief Todd Bailey said.
Tributes immediately poured in from across the world of football in the wake of Moore’s death, with Brown revealing that they were recently in contact.
‘Bro ain’t no way brotha you just messaged me few hours ago,’ the Chiefs receiver posted on social media. ‘You wasn’t alone bro.. I told you I know how you feel.’
Brown and Moore were teammates on the Arizona Cardinals between 2022 and 2023 and the Chiefs star also posted a screenshot of a message he sent to Moore back in August – around the time the receiver suffered a season-ending injury.
‘Praying for you brother,’ it read. ‘Sometimes in life when stuff don’t go as planned as frustrating as it may be [you] 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.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore has died at the age of just 25
Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown revealed he spoke to Moore just hours before his death
‘I’m here if you ever need to talk bro I know how s*** if feels it sucks dawg but knowing you, you [are] built for this don’t give up.’
Moore responded to the message with a heart and on Saturday night, Brown wrote alongside the screenshot: ‘I love you bro… I always wanted to speak life into you.’
Many other players also detailed their shock and sadness.
‘Can’t even begin to fathom or process this,’ NFL legend JJ Watt, who ended his career with the Cardinals, posted on X. ‘There’s just no way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give. Rest in Peace Rondale.’
Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard, meanwhile, wrote: ‘Bro what in the world… Cmon Rondale you was gon comeback n prove em wrong… RIP.’
Super Bowl champion Isaiah Rodgers Sr posted a prayer emoji, while Ray-Ray McCloud, who played alongside Moore on the Falcons, wrote ‘Mannnn’ alongside a number of crying emojis.
Among those to reveal the news of the NFL player’s death was Jeff Brohm. The Louisville head coach worked with Moore at Purdue, describing the receiver as a ‘complete joy to coach.’
‘The ultimate competitor that would never back down to any challenge,’ said Brohm in a statement. ‘Rondale has a work ethic that was unmatched by anyone.’
Moore was found in his garage with what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said
‘A great teammate that would come through in any situation. We all loved Rondale and we loved his smile and competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact with. We offer all of our thoughts and prayers to Rondale and his family and we love him very much!!!’
Shortly after news of Moore’s death was confirmed, Raiders star Maxx Crosby told a poignant story about playing against the receiver in college.
‘I hate to be doing this – rest in peace Rondale Moore,’ he began. ‘It sucks having to do this after he’s not here. I know it’s so fresh but it’s just on my mind.
‘I played this man in college – we went to Purdue and played the Boilermakers on their field and I remember playing against Rondale Moore and I was like: that’s the coldest dude I’ve ever been on the field with up to that point. He was like Tyreek Hill in college.’
Crosby continued: ‘I still might have the messages I was sending to [ex-Raiders GM] Mike Mayock the next year [when] he went to the draft: we need Rondale Moore, this dude is Tyreek Hill.
‘But God, bro. Check on your people – too much hate in this world. Stay positive, it’s unbelievable, I’m sending out prayers to his whole family and everybody going through it. ‘
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.