JJ Watt reacts to tragic death of former NFL teammate Rondale Moore

The NFL world was taken aback Saturday night when it was revealed that former second-round pick and Purdue star wide receiver Rondale Moore had died at age 25 from what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Moore was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2021 following a stellar career at Purdue. His most notable performance came on Oct. 20, 2018, when he recorded 12 receptions for 170 yards and two touchdowns in an upset victory over No. 2 Ohio State. He spent the first three seasons of his NFL career with the Cardinals, where he was briefly teammates with former superstar JJ Watt, who reacted to the heartbreaking news shortly after it became public. “Can’t even begin to fathom or process this,” Watt wrote. “There’s just no way. Way too soon. Way too special. So much left to give.” More news: Controversial Rams-Seahawks Play Could Lead to Major NFL Rule Change: Report More news: George Pickens’ Demands of Cowboys Revealed Ahead of Free Agency Watt was part of a viral video years ago alongside Moore during their time together in Arizona. The clip, taken during a practice, showed Moore visibly upset after dropping a pass, with Watt — then a veteran nearing the end of his career — offering words of encouragement to the young wide receiver. Watt then jokingly replied, “Did it hit your hands? Oh, yeah, that’s your job description. That’s going to be tough … I’m kidding. It’s fine. Is it Wednesday or is it Sunday? Be pissed about it. Stay after, catch a few extra balls and then catch it on Sunday. You get back up, go out there and catch the next one.” Since being traded from the Cardinals following the 2023 season, Moore battled multiple injuries. He missed the entire 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons and later suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first preseason game of 2025 with the Minnesota Vikings. More news: Los Angeles Rams Predicted to Form Lethal WR Trio in 2026 NFL Draft