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Warren Moon
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Harold Warren Moon (born November 18, 1956) is an American former professional football quarterback who played for 23 seasons. He spent the majority of his career with the Houston Oilers of the National Football League (NFL) and the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Moon also played for the NFL's Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs. He is considered one of the greatest undrafted players in NFL history.[1][2]

Key Information

Moon played college football for the Washington Huskies, winning Pac-8 Co-Player of the Year in 1977 and being named MVP of the Rose Bowl the following year. Due to not generating interest from NFL teams, he began his professional career with the Eskimos in 1978. Moon's success during his six CFL seasons, five of which ended in Grey Cup victories, resulted in him being signed by the Oilers in 1984.[3] During his 17 NFL seasons, Moon was named Offensive Player of the Year in 1990 after leading the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns. He led the NFL in passing yards twice and received nine Pro Bowl selections. Moon spent 10 seasons with the Oilers, leading them to seven playoff appearances, and made an eighth postseason run with the Vikings before retiring in 2000.

At the time of his retirement, Moon held several all-time professional gridiron football passing records. Although relatively unsuccessful in the NFL postseason, his five consecutive Grey Cups from 1978 to 1982 remain a CFL record and he was twice named Grey Cup MVP. Moon was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, becoming the first African-American quarterback and the first undrafted quarterback to receive the honor. Moon is also the only player inducted to both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

Early life

[edit]

Born on November 18, 1956, in Los Angeles, Moon was the middle child amongst six sisters. His father, Harold, was a laborer and died of liver disease when Moon was seven years old. His mother, Pat, was a nurse, and Moon learned to cook, sew, iron, and housekeep to help take care of the family. Early on, Moon decided that he could play only one sport in high school because he had to work for the rest of the year to help his family. Moon chose to play football as a quarterback since he discovered that he could throw a football longer, harder, and straighter than anyone he knew.[4][5][6][7][8]

Moon enrolled at Alexander Hamilton High School, using the address of one of his mother's friends to gain the advantages of a better academic and athletic reputation than his neighborhood high school could offer. Moon had little playing time until his junior year, when he took over as the varsity starting quarterback. As a senior in 1973, Moon was named to the all-city team and the football team reached the city playoffs.[4]

College career

[edit]

Moon attended two-year West Los Angeles College and was a record-setting quarterback as a freshman in 1974, but only a handful of four-year colleges showed interest in signing him. However, University of Washington's offensive coordinator, Dick Scesniak, was eager to sign the rifle-armed Moon. Adamant to play quarterback, Moon considered himself to be perhaps a slightly above-average athlete who lacked either the size, speed, or strength to play other positions.[9]

Under new head coach Don James, Washington was 11–11 in Moon's first two seasons as a starter. However, as a senior in 1977, he led the Huskies to the Pac-8 title and a 27–20 upset victory in the Rose Bowl over Michigan.[10][11] Moon was named the game's Most Valuable Player on the strength of two short touchdown runs and a third-quarter 28-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Robert "Spider" Gaines.[12]

College statistics

[edit]
Season Team Passing
Cmp Att Pct Yds TD Int
1974 West Los Angeles N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
1975 Washington 48 122 39.3 587 2 2
1976 Washington 81 175 41.7 1,106 6 8
1977 Washington 125 223 56.3 1,772 12 9
Total 254 520 49.8 3,465 20 19

Professional career

[edit]

Despite his collegiate success, Moon was led to believe that he would only be a late-round NFL pick and was fearful that it would lead to a limited opportunity to make it in the NFL.

Edmonton Eskimos

[edit]

Six weeks before the NFL draft, Moon signed with the Edmonton Eskimos.[13] He and Tom Wilkinson shared signal-calling duties from 1978 to 1981, winning four consecutive Grey Cups during this span.[14]

Moon became Edmonton's starting quarterback midway through the 1980 season. That year, the team won their third consecutive Grey Cup, and Moon won his first Grey Cup Offensive MVP award as Edmonton defeated Hamilton 48–10.[15]

In 1981, Moon started his first year as Edmonton's No. 1 quarterback with Wilkinson, who would retire after the season, as the team's No. 2 quarterback. Moon was moved to the reserve list for Edmonton's game against Ottawa on October 12. During the Grey Cup, Moon was struggling, and Edmonton was trailing Ottawa 20–0 in the second quarter. At this time, Moon was replaced by Wilkinson. Moon returned in the second half and directed drives for three touchdowns and the game winning field goal with three seconds remaining in the game. Edmonton defeated Ottawa 26–23 to win a CFL record fourth consecutive Grey Cup.

In 1982, Moon became the first professional quarterback to pass for 5,000 yards in a season by reaching exactly 5,000 yards. He passed for 36 touchdowns, which set an Edmonton record, and was third in a single season in CFL history. Edmonton would recover from a 3–5 start to finish the regular season 11–5, and first place in the West Division for the sixth consecutive season. The team qualified for the Grey Cup for the sixth consecutive season and won the Grey Cup for the fifth consecutive year. Moon was named the Grey Cup Offensive MVP for the second time in his career.

In his final CFL season, 1983, Moon threw for league-records in pass completions (380), attempts (664), and yards (5,648), records which have since been broken. On October 15 against Montreal, Moon set an Edmonton record by passing for 555 yards, which was third in a single game in CFL history. Moon was nominated as the West All-Star quarterback, and won the Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the Most Outstanding Player in the West Division. He was then nominated as the CFL All-Star quarterback and won the CFL's Most Outstanding Player Award. However, the season was not as successful for the Eskimos as they finished with an 8–8 record. Having barely made the playoffs (which they would have missed altogether if not for a loss by the Calgary Stampeders to the last place Saskatchewan Roughriders in the last week of the regular season), the Eskimos were throttled in Winnipeg by the Blue Bombers in the West semifinal.

During his six years in the CFL, Moon amassed 1,369 completions on 2,382 attempts (57.4 completion percentage) for 21,228 yards and 144 touchdown passes. He also led the Eskimos to victory in nine of 10 postseason games. In 2001, Moon was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and the Eskimos' Wall of Honour. Five years later, he was ranked fifth on a list of the greatest 50 CFL players presented by Canadian sports network TSN.

Houston Oilers

[edit]
Moon (left) with teammate Mike Rozier in 1987

Moon's decision to enter the NFL touched off a bidding war for his services, won by the Houston Oilers, led by Hugh Campbell, his head coach for his first five seasons in Edmonton.[3] Gifford Nielsen—the starting quarterback in 1983—retired after Moon joined the team, stating that Moon becoming the starter was inevitable.[16] Moon had a difficult adjustment period, but threw for a franchise-record 3,338 yards in his first season in 1984, but Campbell was just 8–22 (.267) at the helm and did not finish the 1985 season.[17] When new head coach Jerry Glanville found ways to best use Moon's strong arm in 1986, the team began having success. In the strike-marred 1987 season, the Oilers posted a 9–6 record, their first winning season since 1980. In his first postseason game in the NFL, Moon threw for 237 yards and a touchdown in the Oilers' 23–20 overtime victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.

Prior to the 1989 season, Moon signed a five-year, $10-million contract extension, which made him the highest-paid player in the NFL at that time.[18] In 1990, Moon led the league with 4,689 passing yards. He also led the league in attempts (584), completions (362), and touchdowns (33), and tied Dan Marino's record with nine 300-yard games in a season.[19] That included throwing for 527 yards against Kansas City on December 16, 1990, the second-most passing yards ever in a single game.[20][21] The following season, Moon again led the league in passing yards, with 4,690.[22] At the same time, Moon joined Marino and Dan Fouts as the only quarterbacks to post back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons. Moon also established new NFL records that season with 655 attempts and 404 completions.

In 1992, Moon played only 11 games due to injuries, but the Oilers still managed to achieve a 10–6 record, including a victory over the Buffalo Bills at home in the regular season finale.[23] A week later, the Oilers traveled to Buffalo to face the Bills again in the first round of the AFC playoffs. Aided by Moon's 222 passing yards and four touchdowns in the first half, Houston built up a 28–3 halftime lead and increased it to 35–3 when Buffalo quarterback Frank Reich's first pass of the third quarter was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by Bubba McDowell. However, the Bills stormed back with five unanswered second-half touchdowns to take a 38–35 lead with time running out in the final period. Moon managed to lead the Oilers on a last-second field goal drive to tie the game at 38 and force overtime. However, he threw an interception in the extra period that set up Buffalo kicker Steve Christie's game-winning field goal. The Bills' rally from a 32-point deficit[24] was the largest comeback victory in NFL history at the time and became known in NFL lore simply as the Comeback. Moon finished the 41–38 road loss with 36 completions for 371 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. His 36 completions were an NFL postseason record.

The 1993 season was the Oilers' best with Moon but was also his last with the team. Despite a drama-filled 1–4 start and early struggles from Moon, Houston went 12–4 and won the AFC Central division crown.[25] However, the Oilers lost to Joe Montana and the Kansas City Chiefs 28–20 in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.[26][27]

Moon set a franchise record with Houston for wins with 70, which stood until Steve McNair broke it in 2004, long after the team became the Tennessee Titans. Moon also left the Oilers as the franchise leader in passing touchdowns, passing yards, pass attempts, and pass completions, all of which still stand today.[citation needed][when?]

Minnesota Vikings

[edit]

On April 14, 1994, Moon was traded to the Minnesota Vikings for a 1994 fourth round pick and a 1995 third round pick; he signed a two-year deal with the Vikings.[28][29]

Moon passed for over 4,200 yards in each of his first two seasons. The Vikings signed him to a three-year contract extension in 1996. However, Moon would miss half of the 1996 season with a broken collarbone.[30][31][32]

The Vikings' starting quarterback job was given to Brad Johnson and Moon was released after he refused to take a $3.8 million pay cut to serve as Johnson's backup.[33]

Seattle Seahawks

[edit]

Moon signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent in 1997, made the Pro Bowl, and was named Pro Bowl MVP.[34] He played for them for two seasons.

Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]

Moon signed as a free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs as a backup in 1999.[35] He played in only three games in two years with the Chiefs and announced his retirement at age 44 on January 25, 2001.[36][37][38] Moon's 291st and final touchdown pass was an eight-yard pass to Troy Drayton against the St. Louis Rams on October 22, 2000, a game in which the Chiefs defeated the defending champions 54–34.[39]

Legacy

[edit]
Moon in 2007

Combining his NFL and CFL stats, Moon's numbers are nearly unmatched in professional football annals:[citation needed] 5,357 completions in 9,205 attempts for 70,553 yards and 435 touchdowns.[citation needed] Even if his Canadian Football League statistics are discounted, Moon's NFL career numbers are still exceptional: 3,988 completions for 49,325 yards and 291 touchdowns to go along with 1,736 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns.[40][additional citation(s) needed] Moon also held individual NFL lifetime records for most fumbles recovered (56) and most fumbles made (162), but this was surpassed by Brett Favre in 2010.[41][failed verification] Moon was in the top five all-time when he retired for passing yards, passing touchdowns, pass attempts, and pass completions.[42][failed verification]

Moon was named to nine Pro Bowls (1988–1995, 1997).[citation needed] He worked as a broadcaster for the Seattle Seahawks on both TV and radio until 2017.[citation needed] Moon was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, becoming both the first Canadian Football Hall of Fame player, first undrafted quarterback, and first African-American quarterback honored; he was elected in his first year of eligibility.[citation needed] On October 1, 2006, the Tennessee Titans retired Moon's number at halftime in a game against the Dallas Cowboys.[43] He won his first Super Bowl ring in 2014 as a broadcaster for the Seahawks.[44][45] On April 25, 2025, Moon un-retired his No. 1 Titans jersey to allow quarterback and first overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, Cam Ward, to wear it.[46]

Post-NFL career

[edit]

Moon mentored Cam Newton, the first overall pick of the 2011 NFL draft, alluding to their common experiences as prominent African-American quarterbacks.[47][48][49] In December 2017, Moon was suspended indefinitely from his sportscaster position after being sued for sexual harassment.[50]

Career statistics

[edit]

CFL statistics

[edit]
Year Team Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
1978 Edmonton Eskimos 15 — — 89 173 51.4 1,112 6.4 5 7 64.5 30 114 3.8 1
1979 Edmonton Eskimos 16 — — 149 274 54.4 2,382 8.7 20 12 89.7 56 156 2.7 2
1980 Edmonton Eskimos 16 — — 181 331 54.7 3,127 9.4 25 11 98.3 55 352 6.4 1
1981 Edmonton Eskimos 15 — — 237 378 62.7 3,959 10.5 27 12 108.6 50 298 6.0 3
1982 Edmonton Eskimos 16 16 — 333 562 59.2 5,000 8.9 36 16 98.0 54 259 4.8 4
1983 Edmonton Eskimos 16 16 — 380 664 57.2 5,648 8.5 31 19 88.9 95 527 6.2 3
CFL Career 94 59 41−17−1 1,369 2,382 57.5 21,228 8.9 144 77 93.8 340 1,706 5.0 14

Playoffs

[edit]
Year & game Team GP GS ATT COMP YD TD INT RUSH YD TD
1978 West Final EDM 1 0 0 - - - - 0 - -
1979 West Final EDM 1 0 21 10 109 2 0 10 24 0
1980 West Final EDM 1 1 33 17 257 1 2 10 40 0
1981 West Final EDM 1 1 40 20 300 1 0 6 49 0
1982 West Final EDM 1 1 31 18 343 1 1 5 43 0
1983 West Semi-Final EDM 1 1 25 13 269 1 2 3 27 0
Totals 6 5 153 78 1,359 6 5 34 183 0

Grey Cup

[edit]
Year Team GP GS ATT COMP YD TD INT RUSH YD TD
1978 EDM 1 0 0 - - - - 1 3 0
1979 EDM 1 0 11 5 96 1 0 5 18 0
1980 EDM 1 1 33 21 398 3 1 7 71 0
1981 EDM 1 1 27 13 181 0 3 12 23 2
1982 EDM 1 1 33 21 319 2 1 9 91 0
Totals 5 3 104 60 994 6 5 34 206 2

NFL statistics

[edit]
Legend
AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
1984 HOU 16 16 3–13 259 450 57.6 3,338 7.4 12 14 76.9 58 211 3.6 1
1985 HOU 14 14 4–10 200 377 53.1 2,709 7.2 15 19 68.5 39 130 3.3 0
1986 HOU 15 15 5–10 256 488 52.5 3,489 7.1 13 26 62.3 42 157 3.7 2
1987 HOU 12 12 7–5 184 368 50.0 2,806 7.6 21 18 74.2 34 112 3.3 3
1988 HOU 11 11 7–4 160 294 54.4 2,327 7.9 17 8 88.4 33 88 3.6 5
1989 HOU 16 16 9–7 280 464 60.3 3,631 7.8 23 14 88.9 70 268 3.8 4
1990 HOU 15 15 8–7 362 584 62.0 4,689 8.0 33 13 96.8 55 215 3.9 2
1991 HOU 16 16 11–5 404 655 61.7 4,690 7.2 23 21 81.7 33 68 2.1 2
1992 HOU 11 10 6–4 224 346 64.7 2,521 7.3 18 12 89.3 27 147 5.4 1
1993 HOU 15 14 10–4 303 520 58.3 3,485 6.7 21 21 75.2 48 145 3.0 1
1994 MIN 15 15 9–6 371 601 61.7 4,264 7.1 18 19 79.9 27 55 2.0 0
1995 MIN 16 16 8–8 377 606 62.2 4,228 7.0 33 14 91.5 33 82 2.5 0
1996 MIN 8 8 4–4 134 247 54.3 1,610 6.5 7 9 68.7 9 6 0.7 0
1997 SEA 15 14 7–7 313 528 59.3 3,678 7.0 25 16 83.7 17 40 2.4 1
1998 SEA 10 10 4–6 145 258 56.2 1,632 6.3 11 8 76.6 16 10 0.6 0
1999 KC 1 0 — 1 3 33.3 20 6.7 0 0 57.6 0 0 0.0 0
2000 KC 2 1 0–1 15 34 44.1 208 6.1 1 1 61.9 1 2 2.0 0
NFL Career 208 203 102−101 3,988 6,823 58.4 49,325 7.2 291 233 80.9 543 1,736 3.2 22

Postseason

[edit]
Year Team Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
1987 HOU 2 2 1–1 45 75 60.0 537 7.2 2 3 74.1 9 13 1.4 0
1988 HOU 2 2 1–1 33 59 55.9 453 7.7 1 4 58.1 11 27 2.5 0
1989 HOU 1 1 0–1 29 48 60.4 315 6.6 2 0 93.7 3 12 4.0 0
1990 HOU 0 0 — DNP
1991 HOU 2 2 1–1 55 76 72.4 596 7.8 5 2 106.0 5 24 4.8 0
1992 HOU 1 1 0–1 36 50 72.0 371 7.4 4 2 103.0 2 7 3.5 0
1993 HOU 1 1 0–1 32 43 74.4 306 7.1 1 1 91.8 3 22 7.3 0
1994 MIN 1 1 0–1 29 52 55.8 292 5.6 2 2 68.7 2 9 4.5 0
NFL Career 10 10 3–7 259 403 64.3 2,870 7.1 17 14 84.9 35 114 3.3 0

Oilers/Titans franchise records

[edit]

Moon remains statistically one of the best players ever for the Oilers/Titans franchise. As of 2019's NFL off-season, Moon still held at least 37 Titans franchise records, including:

  • Most Completions (career): 2,632[51]
  • Most Completions (season): 404 (1991)[52]
  • Most Completions (game): 41 (1991-11-10 DAL)
  • Most Completions (playoff career): 230
  • Most Completions (playoff game): 36 (1993-01-03 @BUF)
  • Most Completions (rookie season): 259 (1984)[53]
  • Most Pass Attempts (career): 4,546[51]
  • Most Pass Attempts (season): 655 (1991)
  • Most Pass Attempts (playoff career): 351
  • Most Pass Attempts (playoff game): 50 (1993-01-03 @BUF)
  • Most Pass Attempts (rookie season): 450 (1984)[53]
  • Most Passing Yards (career): 33,685[51]
  • Most Passing Yards (season): 4,690 (1991)
  • Most Passing Yards (game): 527 (1990-12-16 @KAN)
  • Most Passing Yards (playoff career): 2,578
  • Most Passing Yards (playoff game): 371 (1993-01-03 @BUF)
  • Most Passing Yards (rookie season): 3,338 (1984)[53]
  • Most Passing TDs (career): 196[51]
  • Most Passing TDs (playoff career): 15
  • Most Passing TDs (playoff season): 5 (1991)
  • Most Passing TDs (playoff game): 4 (1993-01-03 @BUF)
  • Most Pass Yds/Game (career): 238.9[51]
  • Most Pass Yds/Game (season): 312.6 (1990)
  • Most Pass Yds/Game (playoff career): 286.4
  • Most Pass Yds/Game (playoff season): 371 (1992)
  • Most 300+ yard passing games (career): 42
  • Most 300+ yard passing games (season): 9 (1990)
  • Most 300+ yard passing games (playoffs): 4
  • Most 300+ yard passing games (rookie season): 4
  • Most 4,000+ passing yard seasons: 2
  • Most Intercepted (playoff career): 12
  • Most Sacked (career): 315
  • Most Sacked (season): 47 (1984)
  • Most Sacked (game): 12 (1985-09-29 DAL)
  • Most Sacked (playoff career): 22
  • Most Sacked (playoff game): 9 (1994-01-16 KAN)
  • Most Sacked (rookie season): 47 (1984)

Awards

[edit]

Personal life

[edit]

In 1981, Moon married Felicia Hendricks, whom he had known since they were 16 years old. They had three children together and divorced in 2001.[55]

Moon married his second wife, Mandy Ritter, in 2005. They had one child and are currently separated.[56]

Moon currently lives in Redmond, Washington.[57] In 1989, he launched the Crescent Moon Foundation, which provides college scholarships for economically disadvantaged students. Moon also supports various charitable organizations including the United Negro College Fund, Ronald McDonald House, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, American Heart Association, and Cerebral Palsy Foundation.[58]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Warren Moon

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Harold Warren Moon (born November 18, 1956) is a former professional who played professionally for 23 seasons, including 17 in the (NFL) after establishing dominance in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Born in , , Moon attended High School and later played at the , where he led the Huskies to a Rose Bowl victory in 1978—the program's first in 17 years—and was named the game's MVP while sharing Pac-8 Player of the Year honors. Undrafted in the due in part to racial biases against Black quarterbacks at the time, Moon signed with the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL, where he threw for 21,228 yards and 144 touchdowns over six seasons and won five consecutive championships from 1978 to 1982. In 1984, he joined the of the , leading them to seven consecutive playoff appearances from 1987 to 1993 and setting franchise records with 33,685 passing yards and 196 touchdowns during his tenure there through 1993. Moon continued his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings (1994–1996), (1997–1998), and [Kansas City Chiefs](/page/Kansas_City Chiefs) (1999–2000), retiring after the 2000 season with career totals of 49,325 passing yards, 291 touchdowns, and 102 wins as a starter. A nine-time selection—including eight consecutive from 1988 to 1995—he earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors in 1990 after throwing for a league-leading 4,689 yards and 33 touchdowns, and he set numerous records, such as the single-game mark of 527 passing yards against the Chiefs that year. Moon was inducted into the in 2006 as the first Black quarterback and the first undrafted player elected at the position, recognized for overcoming significant racial barriers in professional football.

Early Years

Childhood and Family

Harold Warren Moon was born on November 18, 1956, in , . His father, Harold Moon, worked as a laborer and died from in 1963, when Warren was just seven years old. This left the family in a precarious position, as Moon later recalled in his enshrinement speech. Moon was raised by his single mother, Pat Moon, in a modest home in , alongside his six sisters, making a total of seven children. Pat worked as a nurse and took on additional responsibilities to support the family, ensuring they had the essentials despite financial hardships. The family experienced typical of many in the area during the , relying on close-knit community ties and Pat's determination to provide stability amid economic struggles. As the , Moon assumed an early sense of responsibility, learning household skills such as cooking, sewing, and ironing to help his mother care for the household. Growing up in during a decade marked by racial tensions, including the of , the navigated broader societal challenges that underscored the importance of resilience and mutual support. These experiences instilled in Moon a strong and appreciation for bonds that would influence his later life.

High School and Junior College

Moon attended Alexander Hamilton High School in , , where he focused on football during his later years of high school. He became the starting as a junior and earned All-City honors as a senior in 1974, helping the team reach the city playoffs. Despite his on-field success, Moon received limited scholarship offers from major universities due to pervasive racial biases in the 1970s that discouraged Black athletes from playing , a position often stereotyped as requiring "intelligence" suited only for white players; many recruiters urged him to switch to or instead. Refusing to abandon his preferred position, Moon enrolled at in 1974 to continue developing as a . At , Moon quickly excelled, setting school and conference passing records during his freshman season and earning recognition as the Western State Conference Player of the Year. His time there marked significant academic and athletic growth, including refined passing mechanics and enhanced leadership on the field, which proved pivotal in attracting attention from four-year programs. This perseverance was fueled in part by the hardships of his upbringing, including the early death of his father and his mother's efforts to raise seven children alone.

College Career

University of Washington

After achieving success as a record-setting at West Los Angeles , Warren Moon transferred to the in 1975, joining the Huskies under head coach Don James. During his freshman year, Moon saw limited action, appearing in eight games while adjusting to the program and backing up the starters. Moon emerged as the starting quarterback for the Huskies in the 1976 and 1977 seasons, taking on a leadership role in Don James's rollout offense. In 1977, he guided Washington to an 8-4 overall record, securing the Pac-8 conference championship with key victories, including a 24-21 win over rival Washington State and a conference victory against UCLA (later awarded due to UCLA's forfeitures for using ineligible players). Moon's senior season culminated in the , where the Huskies upset fourth-ranked 27-20, marking Washington's first Rose Bowl victory in 17 years. As the game's MVP, completed 13 of 24 passes for 234 yards and one touchdown while adding two rushing scores (from 2 yards and 1 yard), showcasing his dual-threat ability in the upset win. Throughout his time at Washington, made academic progress toward a degree in communications, studying under notable faculty in the department.

Key Achievements

During his senior season in 1977, Warren Moon shared Pac-8 Player of the Year honors with Stanford's Guy Benjamin, recognizing his leadership in guiding the to the conference title. This accolade highlighted Moon's pivotal role as the team's starting , where he demonstrated exceptional passing accuracy and decision-making throughout the campaign. Moon's college career culminated in the 1978 , where he earned MVP honors for his performance in Washington's 27-20 victory over , the program's first Rose Bowl win in 17 years. Completing 13 of 24 passes for 234 yards and a , along with two rushing s, Moon's efforts secured the upset against the fourth-ranked Wolverines and propelled the Huskies to a No. 10 ranking in the final and No. 9 in the UPI poll. Moon's achievements significantly elevated the University of Washington's football program's national visibility, establishing a foundation for future success and inspiring subsequent generations of quarterbacks who advanced to the NFL from the Huskies. His trailblazing performance as a quarterback at a major Pac-8 institution helped break racial barriers in the position, contributing to the program's legacy of developing professional talent.

College Statistics

During his three seasons at the from 1975 to , Warren Moon's passing statistics reflected the run-oriented nature of in the mid-1970s, with an overall completion percentage of 48.8% across 496 attempts. His performance improved markedly in , when he achieved a 56.8% completion rate and a of 134.9, ranking 28th nationally in efficiency among qualifiers that year. The following table summarizes Moon's passing statistics at Washington:
YearGamesCompletionsAttemptsCompletion %YardsTDINTPasser Rating
197584812239.35872281.9
1976118117546.31,10668101.5
19771111319956.81,584117134.9
Total3024249648.83,2771917109.5*
*Career passer rating approximated from yearly averages. Moon also contributed as a runner, amassing 429 rushing yards on 239 carries with 9 touchdowns over his , showcasing his mobility in an era when quarterbacks rarely rushed extensively. In , he exceeded 200 rushing yards (266 on 99 carries, 6 TD), adding a dual-threat dimension to Washington's offense leading into the Rose Bowl. Compared to contemporaries like Stanford's Guy Benjamin (137.1 in ) or BYU's Marc Wilson (148.1), Moon's efficiency was competitive within the Pac-8 Conference, where passing volumes remained modest relative to modern standards.

Professional Career

Edmonton Eskimos

After forgoing the due to widespread biases against Black quarterbacks, who were often viewed as lacking the intelligence or leadership qualities needed for the position, Warren Moon signed as an undrafted with the Eskimos of the Canadian Football League on April 12, 1978. His college success at the provided a strong foundation for this professional transition. Moon quickly integrated into the Eskimos' offense, sharing starting duties with veteran as a rookie and contributing to the team's dynamic passing attack. Moon's arrival marked the beginning of an unprecedented dynasty for the Eskimos, as he helped lead the team to five consecutive championships from 1978 to 1982, a record that still stands in the CFL. Initially splitting time at , Moon became the full-time starter by 1980, showcasing his arm strength and mobility in a high-powered offense that emphasized quick passes and involvement. Under head coach , this system served as a precursor to the run-and-shoot offense, featuring multiple receiver sets and pre-snap motion to exploit defensive alignments—innovations Campbell later refined in the . The Eskimos' dominance during this era, with at the helm for the latter three titles, solidified Edmonton's status as a powerhouse and elevated Moon's profile internationally. In pivotal Grey Cup performances, Moon demonstrated his command of the position. During the 1980 Grey Cup, he threw three passes, including key scores to receiver Tom Scott, in a lopsided 48–10 victory over the , earning him the outstanding offensive player award. Two years later, in the 1982 Grey Cup against the , Moon completed 21 of 33 passes for 319 yards and orchestrated a 32–16 win despite challenging weather conditions at , securing his second Grey Cup MVP honor. These games highlighted Moon's poise under pressure and his ability to deliver in high-stakes moments, contributing to the Eskimos' flawless championship streak. Following the 1983 season, in which Moon was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player after setting league records for passing yards, the 28-year-old quarterback pursued his long-held NFL dream. He departed after six seasons, signing a landmark contract with the in February 1984, where Campbell had become general manager and helped facilitate the move. This transition ended Moon's CFL tenure but launched his storied NFL career, leaving behind a legacy of championships and offensive innovation with the Eskimos.

Houston Oilers

Following his success in the Canadian Football League, where he led the Eskimos to five consecutive championships, Warren Moon attracted interest from teams across three professional leagues—, USFL, and CFL—before signing with the in February 1984, as an unrestricted . The deal made him the highest-paid player in history at the time, with a five-year, $6 million contract that included significant guarantees. Moon immediately earned the starting quarterback position and set the Oilers' single-season passing yards record with 3,338 yards during his rookie campaign. Under head coach , the Oilers adopted the run-and-shoot offense, a wide-open system designed to maximize passing volume through four-receiver sets and precise route-running. excelled in this scheme, developing strong on-field chemistry with receivers like , who emerged as a reliable possession target and key contributor to the aerial attack. The offense's emphasis on high-tempo passing allowed to showcase his arm strength and decision-making, transforming the Oilers into one of the league's most dynamic units. Moon guided the Oilers to seven straight playoff berths from 1987 to 1993, including a memorable run to the , where they fell to the . His pinnacle came in 1990, when he led the with 4,689 passing yards and 33 touchdown passes en route to earning the Offensive Player of the Year honors. Tensions arose in 1994 over contract restructuring demands from Oilers owner , prompting Moon to decline the terms and request a trade; he was subsequently dealt to the Minnesota Vikings on April 14 for a fourth-round draft pick in 1994 and a third-round pick in 1995.

Minnesota Vikings

Moon joined the Minnesota Vikings via trade from the Houston Oilers on April 14, 1994, in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick in 1994 and a third-round pick in 1995; he then signed a two-year contract worth $5.5 million. In his debut season, Moon started 15 games, completing 371 of 601 passes for 4,264 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions, setting a Vikings single-season passing yards record that stood until 2004. His performance propelled the Vikings to a 10-6 record and a wild card playoff berth, though they lost 35-18 to the in the postseason. The 1995 season saw Moon start all 16 games, throwing for 4,228 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions while posting a 91.5 , as the finished 8-8 and missed the . In 1996, Moon started the first eight games, completing 134 of 247 passes for 1,610 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions, before recurring ankle injuries sidelined him for the remainder of the year. During his time in Minnesota, Moon developed a strong rapport with wide receiver Cris Carter, contributing to Carter's NFL single-season receptions record of 122 catches in 1994 and forming one of the league's most productive quarterback-receiver duos. Under head coach Dennis Green, Moon helped integrate elements of the run-and-shoot offense from his Oilers days into the Vikings' scheme, fostering a dynamic passing attack that emphasized quick reads and precise timing. Following his recovery from the injuries, the signed Moon to a three-year, $15 million extension in December 1996, but released him on February 21, 1997, after he declined a significant pay cut from $4.3 million to $500,000 amid concerns over his age and backup role to Brad Johnson.

Moon signed with the as a on March 7, 1997, shortly after his release from the Minnesota Vikings earlier that year. The two-year, $1.65 million contract positioned the 40-year-old veteran as a backup to John Friesz, but Moon quickly assumed the starting role after Friesz suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1. At age 41, Moon demonstrated remarkable resilience in the 1997 season, starting 14 of 15 games and passing for 3,678 yards with 25 and 16 interceptions, achieving a of 83.7. His performance led the in passing yards per game at 245.2 and set Seahawks single-season franchise records for completions (313) and passing yards, which stood until surpassed by later players. These efforts helped guide the Seahawks to an 8–8 record, a one-win improvement from the previous year, and earned Moon his ninth and final selection, where he was also named MVP after scoring the game-winning in a 29–24 AFC victory. The 1998 season proved more challenging for Moon, who started all 10 games he appeared in but was hampered by injuries, including a cracked sustained in Week 4 against the during a weather-delayed game. He completed 145 of 258 passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, posting a 76.6 while going 4–6 as a starter. Despite the limitations, Moon's experience contributed to another 8–8 finish for the Seahawks under head coach . Moon's two seasons in marked a strong late-career resurgence, showcasing his enduring arm strength and leadership at an age when most quarterbacks had long retired.

Kansas City Chiefs

Following his release from the Seattle Seahawks on February 11, 1999, due to salary cap constraints, Warren Moon signed as an unrestricted with the on April 27, 1999, reuniting him with the team in a backup capacity. Over two seasons with Kansas City, Moon appeared in just three games, drawing on his extensive veteran experience from prior stints with the Oilers, , and Seahawks to provide depth at . In 2000, Moon saw limited action behind starter , entering in relief during a Week 8 victory over the on October 22, where he completed 3 of 3 passes for 78 yards and a . His only start came in Week 13 against the on November 26, completing 12 of 31 attempts for 130 yards in a narrow 17-16 loss; across his two appearances that year, he totaled 208 passing yards, one , and one . These outings marked the final chapter of his on-field contributions with the Chiefs. Moon announced his retirement on January 25, 2001, at age 44, citing the cumulative physical toll of his demanding career as a key factor in his decision to step away. Reflecting on his 23-year professional journey—which began with five championships in the CFL with the Eskimos from 1978 to 1983 and continued through 17 seasons—he expressed gratitude for the opportunities and accomplishments that defined his path as a pioneering .

Legacy and Impact

Professional Accomplishments

Warren Moon stands as the first to amass over 70,000 passing yards in professional football across the CFL and , totaling 70,553 yards with 21,228 in the CFL and 49,325 in the . This remarkable achievement underscored his versatility and dominance in two leagues, setting a benchmark for and that surpassed contemporaries like Brett Favre's total at the time. In the , Moon led the league in passing yards twice, in with 4,689 yards—setting the single-season record for completions (362)—and in with 4,690 yards, when he also set records for completions (404) and attempts (655). These performances highlighted his role in pioneering high-volume passing offenses during the late and early , contributing to the evolution of the run-and-shoot system. Moon earned nine selections across his 17-year career, reflecting consistent excellence as a starter who compiled 102 wins against 101 losses. His 102 victories as a starter placed him among the most successful quarterbacks of his era, particularly considering the physical demands and defensive schemes of the time that limited aerial production compared to modern standards. As a trailblazing African American quarterback, Moon's success paved the way for subsequent others by challenging racial stereotypes and demonstrating elite arm talent and decision-making in professional leagues. His career passer rating of 80.9, while modest by today's metrics, was competitive within the pass-heavy but interception-prone environment of the and , where he ranked among the top performers in adjusted yards per attempt at 6.55. Moon's efficiency, evidenced by leading the in completion percentage in at 61.7%, helped normalize Black quarterbacks as franchise leaders.

Influence on Quarterbacks

Warren Moon's journey as a in the exemplified overcoming entrenched racial biases in professional football, where he went undrafted in the due to discriminatory perceptions that African American players lacked the intelligence for the position. Instead, he signed with the Eskimos in the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he led the team to five consecutive championships from 1978 to 1982, amassing over 21,000 passing yards and 144 touchdowns during his tenure. This success forced teams to reconsider their prejudices, leading to his signing with the in 1984 as the league's highest-paid player at the time, where he became a nine-time Pro Bowler and threw for over 49,000 yards. Moon's achievements directly paved the way for subsequent African American quarterbacks, including , who revolutionized the dual-threat style in the late , and , who credited Moon, along with figures like , for opening doors during his pre-draft preparations in 1999. Post-retirement, Moon has actively mentored emerging quarterbacks, emphasizing relentless work ethic and football intelligence as keys to longevity and success. He has counseled players such as on navigating racial biases and maintaining composure under pressure, drawing from his own experiences of facing abuse at the and in early opportunities. He has also provided advice to rookie Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the . His mentorship underscores a philosophy that quarterbacks must outwork everyone on the team to lead effectively, a principle he applied throughout his 23-year professional career. Media portrayals of Moon's career often center on his unyielding self-belief as a catalyst for breaking barriers, as explored in a 2025 Go Long feature by Tyler Dunne, which details the mental burden of he endured while projecting calm leadership on the field. This narrative has inspired books and articles examining his perseverance, positioning him as a symbol of quiet determination against systemic doubt. Moon has contributed to NFL diversity discussions by advocating for incentives that create more opportunities for African American coaches and executives, viewing them as essential steps forward in addressing ongoing inequities. His efforts align with broader impacts, as the number of Black starting quarterbacks has surged from one of the few when he entered the in 1984 to a record 16 in Week 1 of the 2025 season, representing half the league. In , Moon remains an enduring icon, inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2001 and the in 2017 for his role in the Eskimos' dynasty and for shattering racial barriers in the CFL as one of its most dominant passers. His legacy there endures as a testament to excellence transcending borders, influencing generations of players in a league that provided him his first professional platform.

Post-Retirement Activities

Broadcasting Career

After retiring from professional football in 2001, Warren Moon transitioned into , leveraging his extensive experience as a to provide insightful analysis. In 2004, he joined the radio broadcast team as the , partnering with play-by-play announcer for regular season games. His role with the Seahawks, where he had played from 1997 to 1998, allowed him to draw on firsthand knowledge of the team's strategies and personnel. Moon expanded his media presence beyond local broadcasts, serving as a studio analyst for and contributing to SiriusXM NFL Radio, where he offered commentary on league-wide topics. He also worked on national radio broadcasts, providing color analysis for . These roles highlighted his expertise in dissecting passing schemes, often referencing evolutions from his own era to modern offenses. His playing career, marked by leading the league in passing yards twice and earning nine selections, enhanced his credibility in breaking down quarterback decision-making and offensive innovations. In December 2017, Moon took an indefinite leave of absence from the Seahawks radio booth following a filed by a former executive assistant at his firm, Sports 1 Marketing. The suit alleged unwanted advances, including inappropriate text messages and shared hotel accommodations during business trips, which Moon denied, claiming the accuser had demanded $3.5 million in a proposed settlement. The case was settled out of court in August 2019. This incident led to his departure from the Seahawks broadcast team, ending a 14-year tenure. Following the 2017 events, Moon shifted to independent media outlets and podcasts, focusing on quarterback development and mentorship. He has appeared on shows like the Podcast and Go Long Podcast, discussing barriers for Black quarterbacks and advising emerging talents such as , , and, more recently, rookie Cam Ward on footwork, reads, and adapting to pro schemes. His analyses emphasize conceptual breakdowns of modern passing concepts, such as RPOs and spread offenses, informed by his Hall of Fame career.

Philanthropy and Business

Following his retirement from professional football, Warren Moon established the Crescent Moon Foundation in 1989, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting the educational pursuits of who demonstrate commitment to their communities. The foundation awards approximately 10 scholarships annually to high school students excelling in academics, leadership, and , with Moon personally funding numerous college scholarships over the years, including dedicated funds at his , Hamilton High School, and the . These efforts reflect Moon's long-standing commitment to empowering underserved youth through education, drawing from his own experiences overcoming early barriers in sports and academics. Moon has also actively supported organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, particularly in the area where he played for the Seahawks, by participating in fundraising events and speaking on the importance of mentorship for young athletes. In , during his tenure with the Oilers, and later in , he contributed to initiatives, including volunteering to upgrade school playgrounds with United Way of King County to promote safe play spaces for children. In the business realm, Moon co-founded Sports 1 Marketing in 2010 with executive David Meltzer, a global sports and entertainment marketing firm that represents athletes and facilitates endorsements, branding, and media opportunities. The company has grown into a prominent agency, leveraging Moon's industry expertise to manage high-profile clients and ventures, including a planned public merger in to expand its reach. Moon frequently engages in speaking appearances, delivering keynotes on , personal accountability, and diversity in sports, often highlighting his trailblazing role as one of the first African American quarterbacks to achieve sustained success. These talks emphasize the value of strong mentors and resilience, inspiring audiences in corporate, educational, and athletic settings.

Recent Developments

In April 2025, Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Moon un-retired his No. 1 jersey with the to allow rookie Cam Ward, the team's top draft pick, to wear it, a gesture symbolizing mentorship and the passing of leadership to the next generation of Black s. Moon surprised Ward during his introductory press conference on , expressing confidence in Ward's potential to build a lasting legacy with the number, and has since committed to a hands-on advisory in Ward's development, including regular consultations on technique and game preparation. This involvement extends Moon's post-retirement contributions as an informal advisor, a he has maintained since 2017 through collaborations with teams and quarterback prospects. Moon has continued making frequent and media appearances to discuss evolution and trends, including a September 2025 episode on the "Live Life by Design" where he reflected on lessons from his career. In October 2025, he joined the "Go Long" to elaborate on mentoring Ward and the power of self-belief in overcoming barriers, drawing parallels to his own path. In November 2025, Moon appeared on the "On the Record" on November 14, discussing his 1993 comeback season and broader career insights. He also participated in a charity golf event on November 6 with the Brothers In Arms Foundation, supporting the Astros Foundation's Birdies For Charity program. Regarding modern quarterback debates, Moon commented in a January 2023 interview on the matchup between and , expressing pride in the progress of Black quarterbacks and praising Mahomes' poise under pressure as a key factor in his success. He reiterated similar sentiments in February 2025, highlighting Mahomes' decision-making and arm strength as traits that position him to surpass even if he secures another championship. No major health issues have been reported for Moon, who at age 68 remains active in community events, such as serving as honorary captain for the University of Washington's football game against UC Davis in 2025, where he reflected on his Huskies tenure and its role in launching his professional journey. In various 2025 media reflections, including podcasts and interviews, Moon has discussed the nearing 50-year mark since his college debut in , emphasizing his enduring influence on quarterback diversity and the satisfaction of seeing players like Ward carry forward that legacy.

Career Statistics

CFL Statistics

Warren Moon played six seasons with the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League from 1978 to 1983, primarily as the starting after serving as a in his year. During this time, he amassed 21,228 passing yards and 144 touchdowns on 1,369 completions out of 2,382 attempts for a 57.5% completion rate, while throwing 77 interceptions. His stood at 93.8. Moon also showcased mobility as a rusher, accumulating 1,700 yards on 330 carries with 16 touchdowns. Moon's postseason contributions were significant, as he helped lead the Eskimos to five consecutive Grey Cup victories from 1978 to 1982. In 13 playoff games, he passed for 2,941 yards and 20 touchdowns. Across his five appearances, Moon threw for 1,370 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning honors on offense in 1980 and 1982. The following tables summarize Moon's regular season passing and rushing statistics by year with the Eskimos.

Passing Statistics

YearGamesAttemptsCompletionsCompletion %YardsTouchdownsInterceptions
197861738951.41,11257
19791627414954.42,3822012
19801633118154.73,1272511
19811637823762.73,9592712
19821856233359.35,0003616
19831666438057.25,6483119
Total942,3821,36957.521,22814477

Rushing Statistics

YearGamesCarriesYardsYards per CarryTouchdowns
19786301143.81
197916561502.72
198016553526.43
198116502986.03
198218542594.84
198316855276.23
Total943301,7005.216
All statistics sourced from verified professional football databases.

NFL Regular Season Statistics

Warren Moon's NFL regular season career, spanning 1984 to 2000 across four teams, showcased his prolific passing ability, as he completed 3,988 of 6,823 attempts for 49,325 yards, 291 touchdowns, and 233 interceptions, resulting in a career of 80.9. He also demonstrated mobility as a , rushing 543 times for 1,736 yards and 22 touchdowns. Moon's statistical output varied by team, with the majority amassed during his tenure with the Houston Oilers from 1984 to 1993, where he threw for 33,685 yards and 196 touchdowns in 141 games. With the Minnesota Vikings from 1994 to 1996, he added 10,102 passing yards and 58 touchdowns over 39 games. In two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks (1997-1998), Moon passed for 5,310 yards and 36 touchdowns in 25 appearances. His career concluded with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1999 and 2000, completing 16 of 37 passes for 228 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception in 3 games. Among his peak performances, Moon's 1990 season stands out, when he threw for 4,689 yards and 33 touchdowns on 362 completions in 584 attempts, earning a 96.8 while leading the in passing yards, touchdowns, attempts, and completions. The following year, in 1991, he topped the league again in passing yards (4,690) and attempts (655), with 23 touchdowns and an 81.7 rating. Moon also led the in passing attempts in 1994 (601) and in passing yards in 1997 (3,678).
YearTeamGCmpAttYdsTDIntRateRush YdsRush TD
1984HOU162594503,338121476.92111
1985HOU142003772,709151968.51300
1986HOU152564883,489132662.31572
1987HOU121843682,806211874.21123
1988HOU111602942,32717888.4885
1989HOU162804643,631231488.92684
1990HOU153625844,689331396.82152
1991HOU164046554,690232181.7682
1992HOU112243462,521181289.31471
1993HOU153035203,485212175.21451
1994MIN153716014,264181979.9550
1995MIN163776064,228331491.5820
1996MIN81342471,6107968.760
1997SEA153135283,678251683.7401
1998SEA101452581,63211876.6100
1999KC113200057.600
2000KC215342081161.920
Note: Table includes key regular season passing and rushing statistics; rushing attempts and TDs sourced from aggregated career data where year-specific details align with totals.

NFL Postseason Statistics

Warren Moon appeared in 10 NFL postseason games over his career, starting all of them and finishing with a 3-7 record as the starting . In those games, he completed 259 of 403 passes for 2,870 yards, throwing 17 touchdowns and 14 interceptions while achieving a 64.3% completion percentage and an 84.9 . His average of 287 passing yards per game highlighted his role in high-output offenses, but key turnovers contributed to several early exits, including multiple divisional round losses where he threw multiple interceptions. Moon's deepest playoff run came in the divisional round, achieved three times with the (1987, 1988, and 1991 seasons), but the team never reached the or the during his tenure. Notable performances included a 325-yard, three-touchdown effort in the 1991 divisional playoff loss to the and a record-setting 36 completions for 371 yards and four touchdowns in the 1992 divisional round loss to the , despite the Oilers' infamous 35-3 halftime lead evaporating in . His regular season form often carried into the , with the Oilers qualifying seven straight years from 1987 to 1993 under his leadership. The following table provides a game-by-game breakdown of Moon's NFL postseason statistics:
DateRoundOpponentResultComp/AttYardsTDINT
1988-01-03Wild CardW 23-20 (OT)21/3227311
1988-01-10DivisionalL 10-3424/4326412
1988-12-24Wild CardCleveland BrownsW 24-2316/2621313
1989-01-01DivisionalL 10-1717/3324001
1989-12-31Wild CardL 23-26 (OT)29/4831520
1991-12-29Wild CardW 17-1028/4027121
1992-01-04DivisionalL 24-2627/3632531
1993-01-03DivisionalL 38-41 (OT)36/5037142
1994-01-16Wild CardL 20-2832/4330611
1995-01-01Wild CardL 18-3529/5229222

Franchise Records

Warren Moon holds several longstanding franchise records with the /, where he played from 1984 to 1993. He remains the all-time leader in passing yards with 33,685, touchdowns with 196, and pass attempts with 4,546. also set the franchise mark for 300-yard passing games with 38 during his tenure, a testament to his consistent high-volume performances. With the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League from 1978 to 1983, Moon established a single-season passing yards record in 1983 with 5,648 yards, which was also a league milestone at the time, though later surpassed. In play, he contributed to five consecutive championships (1978–1982) and earned MVP honors in 1980 and 1982, setting Edmonton records for passing efficiency and touchdowns in those victories, including 296 yards and three touchdowns in the 1980 win over the . Moon's brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings in 1994 and 1995 saw him set a then-franchise single-season passing yards record with 4,264 in 1994, leading the team to a 10-6 finish; this mark has since been exceeded by later quarterbacks like and . During his two seasons with the (1997–1998), Moon achieved three 1,000-yard passing seasons across his career context but notably set single-season franchise records in 1997 with 3,678 passing yards and 313 completions, both of which highlighted his late-career productivity before being surpassed in subsequent years. As of 2025, many of Moon's Oilers/Titans records remain intact despite the franchise's relocation to and the passage of three decades, underscoring his dominance as the program's most prolific passer. His Edmonton career totals, including 21,228 passing yards, continue to rank among the Eskimos/Elks' all-time leaders.

Awards and Honors

CFL Awards

During his tenure with the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League (CFL), Warren Moon received several prestigious awards recognizing his exceptional performance as a . These honors highlighted his pivotal role in the team's success, including five consecutive championships from 1978 to 1982. Moon was named the Most Outstanding Offensive Player in 1980, where he threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns in Edmonton's 48-21 victory over the . He earned the same distinction in 1982, completing 15 of 24 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns in a 32-16 win against the . In 1983, Moon's final CFL season, he was selected as a CFL and Western at . That year, he also won the Schenley Award as the league's Most Outstanding Player after leading the CFL with 5,648 passing yards and 31 touchdowns. Additionally, he received the Nicklin Memorial Trophy as the Western Division's Most Outstanding Player.
YearAwardDetails
1980Grey Cup Most Outstanding Offensive PlayerEdmonton Eskimos' championship performance
1982Grey Cup Most Outstanding Offensive PlayerEdmonton Eskimos' championship performance
1982CFL ()League-wide recognition
1983CFL ()League-wide recognition
1983Western ()Division recognition
1983Schenley Most Outstanding PlayerLeague leader in passing stats
1983 Nicklin Memorial TrophyWestern Division Most Outstanding Player

NFL Awards

During his NFL career, Warren Moon earned the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award in 1990, recognizing his league-leading performance with 4,689 passing yards and 33 touchdown passes while leading the to a 9-7 record. This accolade highlighted Moon's precision and arm strength in an era of robust defenses, as he completed 362 of 584 attempts for a 62.0% rate, setting a then-franchise mark for single-season yards. Moon was selected to nine Pro Bowls, appearing in the from 1988 through 1995 and again in 1997, spanning his tenures with the , Minnesota Vikings, and . These selections underscored his consistency as one of the league's premier quarterbacks, with six consecutive nods from 1988 to 1993 during his Oilers prime, followed by three more in the mid-1990s amid team changes. In addition to on-field excellence, Moon received first-team All-Pro honors from in 1990 and second-team recognition from the that same year, along with second-team All-AFC nods from in 1988 and first-team All-AFC selections in 1989 and 1990. He was also a finalist for the in 1990, the Maxwell Football Club's player of the year honor, amid a competitive field that included and . Moon was named the NFL Man of the Year in 1989, an award that honors outstanding community service alongside on-field achievement. These honors reflected Moon's broader impact, particularly as he led the in passing yards for the second time in 1990, amassing over 4,000 yards in five seasons.

Hall of Fame Inductions

Warren Moon's induction into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame occurred in 2001, recognizing his exceptional contributions during his tenure with the Edmonton Eskimos from 1978 to 1983, where he led the team to five consecutive championships and earned two awards. In 2006, Moon was enshrined in the as part of the class selected that year, marking him as the first African-American and the first undrafted inducted in the modern era. His enshrinement ceremony took place on August 5, 2006, in , honoring his 17-season career that included nine selections and leading the to multiple playoff appearances. Moon was also inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. That same year, he was inducted into the /Oilers on October 1, 2006, acknowledging his pivotal role as the franchise's from 1984 to 1993, during which he set numerous passing records and established the team as an offensive powerhouse in the AFC. The , established by the franchise in 1999, recognizes players and contributors integral to the Oilers' history before the team's relocation to . In 2013, Moon was named an inaugural member of the . In 2024, Moon was inducted into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame. As of November 2025, Moon has not received additional Hall of Fame inductions beyond these honors.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Warren Moon married his high school sweetheart, Felicia Hendricks, on March 8, 1981. The couple had four children together: daughters Ashley and Blair, and sons Jeffrey and Joshua. Their marriage lasted nearly two decades before they separated in 2000 and finalized their in 2001. In 1995, Moon was charged with misdemeanor assault following allegations by Felicia Moon of , but he was acquitted after she recanted her testimony, attributing the incident to marital stress. Throughout Moon's professional career, his provided unwavering support, particularly during major transitions such as his move from the to the in 1997. Despite the challenges of his frequent absences and relocations, his children remained encouraging of his pursuits, contributing to his focus on and off the field. In 2005, Moon married Mandy Ritter, and the couple welcomed a , Ryken, who is playing at the as a . Moon and Ritter are currently separated. Overall, Moon is the father of five children, several of whom have engaged in sports, including daughter Blair, who played women's at , and Ryken's football career. In December 2017, Moon was sued for and battery by a former executive assistant at his firm, alleging unwanted advances and drugging; the case was settled in August 2019 without an admission of guilt.

Interests and Residence

Moon has maintained his primary residence in , since the 2010s, a location chosen partly due to family ties and proximity to his broadcasting work with the . An avid golfer, Moon regularly participates in celebrity tournaments and hosts events such as the annual Brothers in Arms , where he combines his passion for the sport with . His enthusiasm for extends to initiatives that support youth programs, reflecting his ongoing commitment to local causes in the . Moon is a dedicated jazz enthusiast, citing it as his all-time favorite genre while appreciating a broad range of music including R&B and . Post-retirement, he prioritizes health through consistent fitness routines, emphasizing the importance of staying active to maintain the athleticism developed over his 23-year career.

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  30. https://edmontonsun.com/2015/11/26/edmonton-eskimos-grey-cups-no-9---1982
  31. https://leaderpost.com/sports/football/cfl/legendary-quarterback-warren-moon-shone-at-taylor-field
  32. https://www.nytimes.com/1984/02/04/sports/moon-to-sign-rich-oiler-pact.html
  33. https://www.thegamebeforethemoney.com/why-did-warren-moon-play-in-canada/
  34. https://vault.si.com/vault/1984/02/13/this-cookies-in-the-chips
  35. https://www.nfl.com/stats/player-stats/category/passing/1990/reg/all/passingyards/desc
  36. https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/14/sports/pro-football-vikings-near-on-a-deal-to-acquire-oilers-moon.html
  37. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/bayou-city-history/article/This-day-in-Houston-history-April-14-1994-17079225.php
  38. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/1994_trades.htm
  39. https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1994/04/17/moon-says-he-s-glad-to-be-wanted/
  40. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoonWa00.htm
  41. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/single-season-passing.htm
  42. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/1994.htm
  43. https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/29/sports/the-slumping-vikings-lose-moon-smith-and-the-game.html
  44. https://americanfootball.fandom.com/wiki/Cris_Carter
  45. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1997/02/22/Vikings-release-Warren-Moon/3341856587600/
  46. https://www.twincities.com/2015/12/01/warren-moon-wishes-he-could-have-had-more-time-with-vikings/
  47. https://www.seahawks.com/news/on-this-date-warren-moon-finally-signs-with-seahawks-153191
  48. https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/08/sports/moon-to-join-seahawks.html
  49. https://americanfootball.fandom.com/wiki/1997_Seattle_Seahawks
  50. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sea/1997.htm
  51. https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Warren-Moon-By-the-numbers-1210837.php
  52. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hawks-moon-may-sit-out/
  53. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1998/10/05/chiefs-strike-moon-hurt-in-weather-delayed-game/cb18317d-290f-4773-91fa-c4326318cef6/
  54. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/moon-says-hes-been-released/
  55. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoonWa00/gamelog/2000/
  56. https://www.chron.com/news/article/Moon-makes-end-of-career-official-1994487.php
  57. https://www.brainerddispatch.com/sports/warren-moon-makes-retirement-official
  58. https://www.cfl.ca/2006/08/25/mission_to_the_moon/
  59. https://www.nfl.com/photos/mind-blowing-stats-for-the-tennessee-titans-0ap3000000498228
  60. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_year_by_year.htm
  61. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_rating_career.htm
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  63. https://www.golongtd.com/p/the-rise-burden-and-legacy-of-warren
  64. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/04/25/black-quarterbacks-1999-draft/
  65. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/oilers-legend-warren-moon-gives-new-titans-qb-cam-ward-permission-to-wear-his-previously-retired-no-1-jersey
  66. https://medium.com/authority-magazine/football-hall-of-famer-warren-moon-to-be-a-great-quarterback-youve-got-to-have-a-relentless-d6b2bf2107b3
  67. https://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/12118/12134844/warren-moon-nfl-diversity-incentives-a-step-forward-says-hall-of-fame-quarterback
  68. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/09/01/nfl-black-quarterbacks-record/85890505007/
  69. https://cflnewshub.com/extra/warren-moons-impact-on-the-cfl/
  70. https://www.seattlepi.com/sports/football/article/Raible-Moon-to-handle-radio-broadcasts-for-1142212.php
  71. https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-announce-2017-broadcast-and-network-information-189846
  72. https://www.cfl.ca/2010/04/29/warren-moon-breaking-down-barriers/
  73. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21694844/warren-moon-sued-sexual-harassment-assistant-sports-marketing-firm
  74. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27313084/warren-moon-settles-sexual-harassment-lawsuit
  75. https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/report-seahawks-broadcaster-warren-moon-sued-for-sexual-harassment/659768443/
  76. https://www.vikings.com/audio/minnesota-vikings-podcast-warren-moon-joins-relives-journey-as-an-african-americ
  77. https://www.golongtd.com/p/warren-moon-on-his-trailblazing-hall
  78. https://x.com/WMoon1
  79. https://www.linkedin.com/company/crescent-moon-foundation
  80. https://www.kirklandreporter.com/news/don-james-golf-classic-raises-more-than-250000-for-the-kirkland-boys-girls-club/
  81. https://www.federalwaymirror.com/news/former-seahawks-united-way-volunteers-help-upgrade-federal-way-school-playground-slideshow/
  82. https://www.linkedin.com/company/sports-1-marketing
  83. https://www.prweb.com/releases/two_companies_founded_by_hall_of_fame_quarterback_warren_moon_and_leading_sports_executive_david_meltzer_plan_to_go_public_by_merging_with_acquired_sales_corp_/prweb13517716.htm
  84. https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/speakers/388664/Warren-Moon
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  117. https://www.forbes.com/sites/donyaeger/2023/05/02/as-he-watched-the-nfl-draft-warren-moons-chest-swelled-with-pride/
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  119. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/where-are-they-now-qb-warren-moon-9381953
  120. https://www.fox26houston.com/video/1445823
  121. https://www.brothersinarmshouston.com/golf
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  123. https://www.joebucsfan.com/2022/01/warren-moon-my-family-wanted-me-to-quit-at-44-years-old/
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