Former NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore has died at the age of 25, his former college coach Jeff Brohm has confirmed.
Police in New Albany, Indiana, stated that Moore was found in a garage with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound on Saturday.
The death was subsequently confirmed by the Floyd County Coroner, though no further details regarding the circumstances were immediately available.
‘The ultimate competitor’
Brohm, who coached Moore during his standout collegiate career at Purdue, released a statement paying tribute to the wideout’s character.
“Rondale Moore was a complete joy to coach,” Brohm said.
The Louisville coach described the 25-year-old as the “ultimate competitor” who possessed a work ethic “unmatched by anyone”.
“A great teammate that would come through in any situation,” Brohm added.
“We all loved Rondale, we loved his smile and competitive edge that always wanted to please everyone he came in contact with.”
Career hampered by injury
Moore entered the league as a second-round draft pick for the Arizona Cardinals in 2021.
During a three-year tenure in the desert, the dynamic playmaker started 23 games, recording 135 receptions for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns.
He also contributed on the ground, rushing 52 times for 249 yards and a score.
However, the latter stages of his time in the NFL were significantly disrupted by fitness issues.
The receiver missed the entire 2024 campaign after suffering a dislocated right knee during a stint with the Atlanta Falcons.
Most recently, he spent the 2025 offseason and training camp with the Minnesota Vikings.
His comeback attempt was cut short in August when he sustained a season-ending left knee injury while returning a punt in a preseason opener.
The Dallas Cowboys have reached an agreement with running back Javonte Williams on a new three-year contract which includes $16m (£12.8m) in guaranteed money.
Sources confirmed the terms of the extension for the impending free agent on Saturday.
Williams originally joined the NFC East franchise on a one-year deal following a four-year stint with the Denver Broncos.
Career-best campaign in Dallas
The 25-year-old responded with the most productive season of his career, rushing for 1,201 yards to rank ninth in the NFL.
He achieved those figures despite missing the final game of the campaign due to a lingering stinger issue which affected him during the final month of the season.
His yardage total was the highest recorded by a Cowboys player since Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 1,357 yards in 2019.
In addition to his impact on the ground, the versatile back contributed 35 catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns through the air.
Overcoming injury history
Williams, who was selected in the second round of the 2021 draft, set new personal bests in carries (252) and rushing touchdowns (11).
This resurgence follows a difficult period in Denver, where he missed the majority of the 2022 season after tearing the ACL and LCL in his right knee.
Before his breakout year in Texas, his previous career high was 903 yards during his rookie season.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba believes he deserves to become the highest-paid player at his position following a Super Bowl-winning campaign.
The 2025 AP Offensive Player of the Year is eligible for a contract extension this offseason after playing a pivotal role in securing the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy.
Smith-Njigba stated that while he is not in a rush to sign, he expects the terms to reflect his status as the league’s premier wideout.
To set a new market benchmark, the deal would need to exceed an annual average value of $40m.
Eyeing the top spot
“I’m really not too pressed right now to get it done,” Smith-Njigba told WFAA.
“I know my time is coming and when we get it done, it’s going to be a great deal. God’s timing is perfect timing, so whenever that may come, we’ll be ready for it.”
The former Ohio State standout was explicit about his valuation following a career-best year.
“I believe I deserve to be the highest paid in my position,” he said.
“Just what I give to the game and the community, I give it my all, and I think that’s worth a lot more.”
A historic campaign
Smith-Njigba’s demands follow a statistically dominant season where he led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards.
Despite Seattle employing a run-heavy offensive scheme, the 2023 first-round pick set a new franchise record for yardage and hauled in 10 touchdowns.
His influence continued into the postseason, where he contributed 199 yards and two scores across three playoff games on the road to Super Bowl LX glory.
Currently, Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase holds the financial record for receivers with an annual average of $40.25m.
Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson sits second on the list at $35m per year.
Future in Seattle
The Seahawks are expected to open negotiations with both Smith-Njigba and Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon in the coming months.
Seattle retains the ability to exercise a fifth-year option on both players’ rookie contracts by 1 May.
Without an extension, the Seahawks star has one season remaining on his current four-year deal, excluding the potential option year.
“I would play this game for free,” Smith-Njigba added.
“I love this game so much. But you don’t have to, and I’m learning to be a good businessman, and we need that check at the end of the day.”
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has offered a positive update on the future of Travis Kelce, suggesting the tight end is leaning towards returning for a 14th NFL season.
Reid appeared in good spirits regarding the 36-year-old’s status during a press conference ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine.
The veteran coach indicated that ongoing discussions point toward Kelce delaying retirement for at least one more campaign.
“There is communication, that is the main thing,” said Reid.
“As long as there’s communication, I’m good. That means people want to move forward and I think that’s where Travis is.”
Decision expected before free agency
Kelce had previously stated he would determine his playing future by early March, prior to the start of the NFL free agency period.
Despite the Chiefs’ season ending six weeks ago, the growing sentiment within the organisation is that the star pass-catcher will remain in Missouri.
“I’m not trying to put words in his mouth at all, and I try to give him some space here,” Reid added.
“He has been doing this a long time, and he can sort all that out as he goes forward, but we’re proceeding with that.”
Even in his 13th season, the tight end remained the focal point of the Kansas City offence, leading the team with 76 receptions and 851 yards.
Reunion with Bieniemy
A potential return would see Kelce reunited with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who re-joined the coaching staff last month.
The four-time All-Pro has publicly praised the appointment, acknowledging his best statistical years came under Bieniemy’s previous tenure between 2018 and 2022.
“I can’t wait to see him back in the building,” Kelce said on his podcast.
“He is one of my favourite coaches of all time and I’ve had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player.”
Mahomes making progress
While Kelce weighs his options, quarterback Patrick Mahomes is continuing his rehabilitation from significant knee surgery.
The two-time NFL MVP has spent the last two months recovering from procedures to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee.
Reid confirmed that the quarterback is working diligently with athletic trainer Julie Frymyer.
“He spends a ton of time here, seven hours a day,” Reid said.
“He is in there cranking away and making progress every day.”
Curt Cignetti has finalised a new contract with Indiana worth an average of $13.2m (£10.4m) per season after leading the school to the national title.
New deal rewards historic success
The agreement keeps the 64-year-old at the university through the 2033 season and cements his status among college football’s highest earners.
His annual salary rises from $11.6m to $13.2m, placing him alongside Georgia’s Kirby Smart and LSU’s Lane Kiffin as the only coaches earning at least $13m nationally.
Indiana had previously announced a new deal in October, but a specific clause prompted a review following their post-season success.
Terms in the contract mandated a salary adjustment if the Hoosiers reached the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal.
The team triggered this clause by defeating Alabama in the Rose Bowl on 1 January.
Under the agreement, the salary had to be adjusted to rank no lower than third among active head coaches.
Transforming the programme
The veteran tactician has revitalised the team since arriving in late 2023, boasting a remarkable 27-2 record.
He guided the Hoosiers to their first national title in 2025 and secured their first outright Big Ten title since 1945.
His contract has now been revised three times in just two seasons, reflecting the rapid ascent of the programme under his stewardship.
Having previously stated his intention to retire at the school, the Indiana boss reaffirmed his commitment to the Bloomington side.
“I couldn’t be more proud to be a Hoosier,” Cignetti said.
“The way that this state has embraced us and our success in football has meant more to me than anything else.”
Staff retention remains priority
The revised contract includes a $15m buyout clause should Cignetti leave for another position.
Indiana has also moved to secure key backroom staff, awarding multi-year deals to offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan and defensive coordinator Bryant Haines.
Haines was recently recognised with the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach.
Athletic director Scott Dolson emphasised that retaining staff and building resources remained “Priority 1” alongside securing his head coach’s future.
The Chicago Bears’ potential move to Indiana has taken a significant step forward after state lawmakers unanimously advanced legislation to facilitate a new stadium in Hammond.
Legislative breakthrough
The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee voted 24-0 on Thursday to approve an amendment to State Bill 27.
This legislation paves the way for the creation of the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority.
The new body would hold the power to issue bonds, acquire land, and finance construction near Wolf Lake.
The proposed site in Hammond is located approximately 25 minutes south of the franchise’s current home at Soldier Field.
‘Most meaningful step forward’
The NFC North side described the legislative move as a pivotal moment in their search for a state-of-the-art venue.
In a statement, the organisation confirmed their commitment to exploring the cross-border option.
“The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date,” the team stated.
“We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana.”
The club also praised local leadership for establishing a “critical framework” for negotiations.
Tax disputes stall Illinois plans
This development comes as the 1985 Super Bowl winners face continued hurdles securing public funding in their home state.
Negotiations over property tax assessments and infrastructure funding have stalled progress in Illinois.
The franchise had previously pledged $2bn (£1.56bn) towards construction but sought an estimated $850m in public funds for infrastructure improvements.
Those disputes have left the team’s purchase of a 326-acre site in Arlington Heights in limbo.
‘Open for business’
Indiana Governor Mike Braun took to social media to celebrate the committee’s decision.
He highlighted the state’s “speed of business” and the potential economic impact for the region.
“We have built a strong relationship with the Bears organization that will serve as the foundation for a public-private partnership,” Braun wrote.
“[This leads] to the construction of a world-class stadium and a win for taxpayers.”
Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice is facing a civil lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend alleging he repeatedly assaulted her over an 18-month period.
Allegations of physical abuse
Dacoda Jones filed the suit in Texas on Monday, seeking more than $1m in damages for alleged incidents occurring between 2023 and 2025.
Jones claims the NFL player exhibited a history of abusive behaviour in both Texas and Missouri, stating she was pregnant during several of the alleged assaults.
The filing accuses Rice of strangulation in December 2023 and details various forms of physical violence.
“Rice has grabbed, choked, strangled, pushed, thrown, scratched, hit, and headbutted Ms. Jones, as well as hit her with inanimate objects,” the lawsuit states.
It is further alleged that the 24-year-old punched walls, destroyed furniture and locked Jones out of their shared apartment at night.
Jones is claiming damages for physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement and medical care costs.
NFL and team response
The Super Bowl champions confirmed they are aware of the legal filing and are communicating with the league office.
“The matter remains under review,” the NFL stated on Wednesday.
League officials had previously indicated they would investigate claims after Jones posted photos of alleged injuries on social media last month.
In a since-deleted Instagram post, Jones wrote: “I’m so tired of keeping quiet I’m so tired of protecting his image.”
Representatives for Rice have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Previous legal issues
This lawsuit adds to significant off-field legal trouble for the former SMU standout.
Rice pleaded guilty in 2025 to felony collision charges following a high-speed multi-car crash in Dallas the previous year.
He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years’ probation after admitting to driving at 119mph before the collision.
The wide receiver served a six-game suspension last season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy regarding that incident.
The Seattle Seahawks have been officially put up for sale by the estate of late owner Paul Allen, shortly after the franchise secured its second Super Bowl title.
Allen’s estate confirmed on Wednesday that the formal process to sell the NFL team has commenced.
The decision aligns with the Microsoft co-founder’s long-standing directive to eventually divest his sports holdings to fund charitable causes.
Sale process underway
Investment bank Allen & Company has been retained to lead the transaction alongside law firm Latham & Watkins.
Negotiations are estimated to continue throughout the offseason as prospective buyers submit bids.
Any final purchase agreement will require formal ratification by fellow NFL owners before the transfer of power is complete.
A philanthropic legacy
The NFC West club has been under the stewardship of the Allen family since 1997.
Paul Allen originally purchased the team for $194m (£153m) from Ken Behring, a move that prevented a potential relocation.
Following his death in 2018 from complications of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, ownership duties were assumed by his sister, Jody.
Proceeds from the impending sale will be directed entirely toward philanthropy, consistent with the late owner’s estate planning.
This move follows a similar strategy with the estate’s other assets.
In September, an agreement was reached to sell the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers to an investment group led by Tom Dundon.