Back in 2018, the Ohio State Buckeyes, ranked second in the nation, rolled into West Lafayette with dreams of a national championship. But standing in their way was Purdue, ready to shake things up.
Dwayne Haskins, the Buckeyes' quarterback, put on a show, setting a new single-game passing record for Ohio State. Yet, it was Purdue who stole the spotlight, delivering a stunning 49-20 upset that left the Boilermaker faithful in pure jubilation.
Leading the charge for Purdue was Rondale Moore, an offensive dynamo that night. Moore hauled in 12 catches for 170 yards and two touchdowns, etching his name in Purdue lore. Tragically, Haskins passed away in a traffic accident a few years later, and now, Moore has also left us under heartbreaking circumstances.
Reports confirmed Moore's passing on Saturday at just 25 years old, a mere year older than Haskins at his time of passing. The cause of Moore's death remains undisclosed. He had recently joined the Minnesota Vikings, hoping to reignite his career.
Despite being a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, standing at just 5'7", Moore's blistering speed was a nightmare for college defenses, as Ohio State learned firsthand. Unfortunately, like Haskins, Moore struggled to replicate his collegiate success in the NFL.
It's a sobering thought that the standout stars from that unforgettable 2018 clash are no longer with us. Both Haskins and Moore appeared ready to turn their NFL journeys around before fate intervened.
Our deepest condolences go out to Moore's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.