Watch: The moment WR Rondale Moore became an Arizona Cardinal
May 1, 2021, 10:23 AM
The Arizona Cardinals went out and added Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore with the 49th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft on Friday.
General manager Steve Keim and head coach Kliff Kingsbury welcomed the rookie to the league before making the pick official.
There's nothing like that first call.
ᴅʀᴀꜰᴛ ʀᴏᴏᴍ ᴇxᴄʟᴜꜱɪᴠᴇ: @moore_rondale's Draft Call pic.twitter.com/ergARt3Md0
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 1, 2021
“Excited about you, man,” Keim said. “Think you can come out here and contribute right away. And our QB Kyler Murray is a big fan of yours.”
What stood out to Keim and Kingsbury was the versatility Moore can bring to Arizona’s game plan and his overall character on and off the field. It also doesn’t hurt that Moore worked out at the same facility this offseason as both Murray and 2021 first-round draft pick Zaven Collins.
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“Hey, we’re ready to roll, man,” Kingsbury said. “The things we’ll be able to do with you in the offense, I cannot wait to get you here. … We love everything about you.”
While Moore only played seven games over the past two seasons due to injury and COVID-19 implications, he had a highlight reel type year as a freshman in 2018, grabbing 114 receptions for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also carried the ball 21 times for 213 yards and two scores.
“He’s a dog, he’s gonna come in and think he’s the man, be a pro,” Kingsbury said to Keim and Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill. “When the ball is in his hands he’s special special. … He’ll be ready to roll.”
“He looked like lightning,” Keim added.
All there was left to do for Moore was take in the moment with his family and loved ones.
The squad is getting scarier.@ZavenCollins x @moore_rondale pic.twitter.com/fTYGoAnVxn
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 1, 2021
