Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown disclosed Sunday that he had communicated with former teammate Rondale Moore just hours before the 25-year-old’s death from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Brown, who played alongside Moore for two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, shared the revelation in a pair of poignant posts on X, formerly Twitter. “Bro ain’t no way brotha you just messaged me few hours ago,” Brown wrote in his initial message. He followed up: “You wasn’t alone bro.. I told you I know how you feel.”
Moore, a former Purdue standout and second-round draft pick by the Cardinals in 2021, was found deceased Saturday in a garage in New Albany, Indiana, according to New Albany police Chief Todd Bailey. The Floyd County Coroner’s Office confirmed the death, with the cause listed as a suspected self-inflicted gunshot. An autopsy was pending.
The NFL community reacted with shock and grief. Former Cardinals teammate J.J. Watt posted on X: “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.” Purdue coach Jeff Brohm, who recruited Moore, described him as “a complete joy to coach” with an “unmatched” work ethic.
Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell issued a statement praising Moore’s humility and resilience amid injuries that sidelined him for much of his career. Moore had signed with the Vikings as a free agent in 2025 but suffered a season-ending knee injury in preseason.
Brown’s posts sparked widespread reactions on X, highlighting calls for mental health awareness. User @jasrifootball wrote: “This is heartbreaking: Hollywood Brown, a former teammate of Rondale Moore’s in Arizona, says Moore reached out him just a few hours before he was found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
@MLFootball shared: “HEARTBREAKING: Rondale Moore’s former teammate Hollywood Brown posted that Moore had just texted him earlier in the day before he passed away.” @nflrums echoed: “🚨Rondale Moore former teammate Hollywood Brown posted that Moore had just texted him earlier in the day before he passed away.”
Others emphasized support. @pallshailesh55 posted: “Rondale Moore. 25. Gone. His coach said he ‘wanted to please everyone he came in contact with.’ Sometimes the ones who carry others… carry the most alone. 💔 If you’re struggling — 988. Always.” @hamzadayyabu4 added: “This is incredibly tragic and heartbreaking. … It also underscores the importance of checking in on friends and loved ones.”
@RevakGoneRogue urged: “I want all my people to know if you fall on dark times and ever need an outlet never hesitate📲 … nothing you’re going through is ever worth taking your own life.” @ItsDirtyDan_ wrote: “Take y’all mental health seriously bro. Don’t ever be afraid to put your happiness and peace first above all else.”
@watersZephyr called for action: “MORE PLAYER SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND BRAIN INJURIES!!!! IT’S THE SAME FUCKING STORY EVERY TIME!” @Aced817 noted: “Men’s mental health really isn’t taken serious enough. Shit is a disease that eats away at you slowly.”
@ImExoticFarmer shared: “This is your message: DON’T do it. There are people who love you … take care of yourself.”
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 988 for those in crisis.
