The news hit hard across the league. Then it got even heavier. Marquise Brown said he spoke with former teammate Rondale Moore just hours before Moore's death Saturday in Indiana.
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According to New Albany police chief Todd Bailey, Moore, 25, was found in a garage with what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation remains ongoing.
Brown shared his shock publicly, posting that Moore had messaged him earlier that day.
"Bro ain't no way," Brown wrote. "You just messaged me a few hours ago. You weren't alone bro. I told you I know how you feel."
The two spent time together with the Arizona Cardinals during the 2022 and 2023 seasons and remained close even after their careers diverged. Moore missed the entire 2025 season with the Vikings after suffering a knee injury in the preseason.
Brown also shared an older text exchange from last summer, showing encouragement he had sent Moore after the injury. In it, Brown urged him not to give up and reminded him that he was not alone.
In another post, Brown reflected on the quiet weight athletes often carry, pushing back on the idea that success shields anyone from pain.
I love you bro 🙏🏿 I always wanted to speak life into you fam pic.twitter.com/m0j40bBIZX
— Hollywood Brown (@Primetime_jet) February 22, 2026
Tributes poured in from around the NFL. Former teammate J.J. Watt called the loss impossible to process.
"Way too soon," Watt wrote. "So much left to give."
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988.
