Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver A.J. Green published a heartfelt tribute to his friend and former teammate, Rondale Moore, in The Players Tribune on Mar. 18 following Moore’s death by suicide last month.
Green and Moore played together for two seasons with the Cardinals, forming a close bond during their time in Arizona. Green described how he considered Moore like family, even referring to him as “Rondale Green” and calling him one of his kids. In the article, Green shared stories about offering advice to Moore, including supporting his consideration of retirement to become a college assistant coach in late 2025 after suffering multiple injuries. Ultimately, Moore decided to attempt another comeback before his passing.
Green wrote about the shock he felt upon learning of Moore’s death and reflected on whether he could have done more to help his friend. He also stressed the importance of prioritizing mental health for NFL players, especially those dealing with serious injuries.
In the piece, Green said: “He didn’t live out all his NFL dreams. He didn’t live to be a husband, or a dad, or an old head. But he still was so loved and cared for, by so many people. And he still left his mark — on the game of football, and on the world. In the end….…. I feel like some of us for some reason were probably always meant to be that way: these stars that just shoot by real fast. And Rondale was one of them from day one, you know?? Fast and quick. Tiny and strong. The smartest kid I ever met. My third and oldest son. Rest in peace, Rondale Moore. We love you very, very much.”
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional football team in the NFC West division serving the greater Phoenix area in Arizona according to the official website. The team hosts its home games in Glendale and is recognized as the oldest continuously operating professional football franchise in the United States according to the official website. The Cardinals captured an NFC championship in 2008 according to their official website.
Green’s tribute highlights ongoing conversations around mental health support within professional sports communities.