Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby said he urged the team’s front office to draft Rondale Moore after facing him in college, sharing the revelation in a video tribute following Moore’s death Saturday at age 25.
Police found Moore dead from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound in a garage in New Albany, Indiana, the Associated Press reported. The former Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver was 25.
Crosby’s video on X amassed over 1.2 million views. He recalled playing against Moore when Moore was at Purdue.
“I remember playing against Rondale Moore (in college) and I was like ‘that’s the coldest dude I’ve ever been on a field with’ up to that point,” Crosby said. “He was like Tyreek Hill in college.”
Crosby added that he sent messages to then-general manager Mike Mayock advocating for Moore in the 2021 draft. “I still might have the messages that I was sending to Mike Mayock. The next year he went into the draft I was like, ‘We need Rondale Moore. This dude is Tyreek Hill.’ It’s unbelievable. I’m sending out prayers to his whole family and everybody going through it. Rondale, rest in peace.”
Moore was a second-round pick by the Cardinals in 2021. He missed the entire 2024 season with a right knee injury and was recovering from a season-ending left knee injury sustained during the 2025 preseason with the Vikings.
Raiders safety Jamal Adams addressed the mental toll of injuries in a post on X. “I’m not jumping to conclusions, but let me say this: Fans and media be quick to label a player ‘injury prone,'” Adams wrote. “We don’t choose to get hurt, … Sometimes (expletive) just happens.”
“Y’all don’t see the rehab, the pain, the mental drain it causes. That process can make you lose yourself. This (expletive) is real. No matter how much support you get, you still gotta fight that battle alone. Prayers up for Rondale Moore and his family. He was a baller, no question.”
Running back Raheem Mostert posted on his Instagram story, “This made me drop my phone on the floor. Rest in Heaven little bro! This one hurts.” Wide receiver Phillip Dorsett wrote “No Words” on his Instagram story.
Raiders receiver Alex Bachman, a board member of the NFL Players Association, shared the union’s statement. “This immense loss is felt deeply across our union, and we value his service as a player rep. Our condolences and prayers are with Rondale’s family, teammates, and loved one during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read. “In moments like this we are reminded of how much our players carry, on and off the field. To our members: Please know that support is always within reach. Check on your teammates and prioritize your mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to take advantage of the many confidential resources available to you through the NFLPA.”
If you’re thinking about suicide, or are worried about a friend or loved one, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Lifeline network at 988. Live chat is available at 988lifeline.org. Additionally, the Crisis Text Line is a free, national service available 24/7. Text HOME to 741741.
