Ex-Player Calls out NFL Teams in Hard-Hitting Rant Following Rondale Moore’s Untimely Death

Breiden Fehoko called out the NFL franchises for overlooking the psychological toll injuries take on an athlete's mind.

Ex-Player Calls out NFL Teams in Hard-Hitting Rant Following Rondale Moore’s Untimely Death

Rondale Moore and Breiden Fehoko inside the circle (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Rondale Moore, former NFL wide receiver, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on February 21.
  • NFL teams, including the Vikings, expressed condolences and offered mental health support following Moore's death.
  • Former player Breiden Fehoko criticized NFL teams for neglecting player mental health despite public awareness campaigns.

Rondale Moore‘s death hit the world of pro football hard. The former Cardinals, Falcons, and Vikings wide receiver died on Saturday, February 21.

Police discovered Moore’s body in the garage of his house in New Albany, Indiana. According to the reports, he died due to a self-inflicted wound caused by a firearm.

The three teams Moore suited up for posted tributes in his memory.

While we are working to understand the facts, we have spoken with Rondale’s family to offer our condolences and the full support of the Minnesota Vikings. We have also been in communication with our players, coaches, and staff, and will make counseling and emotional support resources available to anyone in need. Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family and friends during this devastating time.

the Vikings tweeted

Current and former athletes showed solidarity with the 25-year-old and his family on Twitter. Three-time Defensive Player of the Year and Houston legend JJ Watt expressed, “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.”

Moore, a four-star recruit, played three years of college football at Purdue before the Cardinals drafted him in the second round of the 2021 draft. After three years, the Cardinals traded him to the Falcons, and in 2025, he signed with the Vikings. He caught 135 passes for 1201 yards and scored 3 touchdowns.

Former NFL nose tackle criticizes NFL teams for overlooking player mental health

While his football brethren mourned Moore’s passing with heartfelt messages, Breiden Fehoko opted to focus on the cause of his death. The former nose tackle penned a lengthy article on Twitter, criticizing the attitude that has developed within team facilities around the country.

Ex-Player Calls out NFL Teams in Hard-Hitting Rant Following Rondale Moore's Untimely Death
Rondale Moore played for Purdue in college (Image via IMAGO)

These NFL teams come out here and post these mental health awareness posts talking about they care about players, ‘don’t be afraid to reach out, ‘ etc. All they care about is what you bring to the table when it’s game day.

Breiden Fehoko tweeted

Football is considered the most macho of all contact sports. It yields mouthwatering rewards, but there’s also a dark side to it. Because they can continue to fight even after suffering numerous injuries, athletes are viewed as the pinnacle of masculinity. Amidst the celebration of manhood, teams and fans tend to forget that players are human beings and injuries affect the psyche as well.

You go to a staff member tell em you struggling, watch how different they start treating and looking at you. I seen it first hand.. I’ll start believing they care about player health when the Owner, GM, & head coach treat everyone on that roster the same from the franchise QB to the janitor.

Breiden Fehoko wrote

Fehoko, a former Steeler, retired last November at the age of 29 after he was placed on the injured reserve.

At the peak of his powers, Fehoko won a college football championship with the LSU Tigers. His cousin, WR Simi Fehoko, plays for the Cardinals.

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