Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The NFL world was rocked with devastating news over the weekend after it was reported that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore had died at the age of 25 years old. Moore reportedly died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The apparent suicide of Rondale Moore naturally sparked the long-running debate about the mental and psychological toll of playing football and the damage it can do to the brain. At this time, while there is no indication that Moore suffered from CTE — which cannot be properly detected until after death — his passing reignited the contentious NFL discourse all the same.
Contributing to the emotional conversation was former Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad player Breiden Fehoko, who took to social media to rip the NFL for only caring about players’ mental health when it comes to getting them on the field for game day.
Former NFL and LSU defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko ripped the NFL for not actually caring about the players’ mental health beyond game day
“Imma keep it a stack… I don’t care, I’m retired I’ll say what I want. 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,” Fehoko wrote on Twitter early Sunday morning.
“Most players don’t wanna get help inside the building of an NFL organization because they know you’ll get looked at differently. 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…” he continued.
“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. Until then don’t tell me they care cause they posted some hotline number when s— like this happens. I’m here for any of my brothers that just wanna talk and shoot the s—. I love y’all. I care about y’all. I’m here for y’all.”
Imma keep it a stack.. I don’t care, I’m retired I’ll say what I want. 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…
— Breiden Fehoko (@BreidenFehoko) February 22, 2026
Following the news of Moore’s tragic death, organizations across the NFL landscape released eulogizing statements.
“The NFL is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Rondale Moore. Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family, friends and teammates during this difficult time,” the NFL’s statement read.
“The NFL Players Association is devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Rondale Moore. 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 NFL’s Players Association wrote.
“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.”
The NFL is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Rondale Moore.
Our thoughts are with Rondale’s family, friends and teammates during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/qFVwMxRiSM
— NFL (@NFL) February 22, 2026
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, who was Moore’s coach last season, also released a lengthy statement mourning his passing.
“I am devastated by the news of Rondale’s death. While Rondale had been a member of the Vikings for a short time, he was someone we came to know well and care about deeply. He was a humble, soft-spoken, and respectful young man who was proud of his Indiana roots,” O’Connell said in a statement.
“As a player, he was disciplined, dedicated and resilient despite facing adversity multiple times as injuries sidelined him throughout his career. We are all heartbroken by the fact he won’t continue to live out his NFL dream and we won’t all have a chance to watch him flourish.”
Moore was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals out Purdue University in the 2nd round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Moore’s best season, unfortunately, came during his rookie season when he caught 54 passes for 435 yards and a touchdown.
He spent the next two seasons with the Cardinals before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024. In August of that year, however, Moore suffered a knee injury in training camp and missed the entirety of the season. In March 2025, he signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Vikings but again suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason.