Warren Moon

Football Athlete- Special Legends Class of 2025

Born in Los Angeles, California, Warren Moon rose to prominence at the University of Washington, where he led the Huskies to a 27–20 victory over Michigan in the 1978 Rose Bowl and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Despite his collegiate success, Moon went undrafted by the NFL—largely due to racial stereotypes about Black quarterbacks at the time. Determined to pursue his professional career, he signed with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. Taking over as starting quarterback in 1980, Moon helped guide the Eskimos to an unprecedented five consecutive Grey Cup championships from 1978 to 1982. Along the way, he was twice named Grey Cup Most Valuable Player, earned the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award in 1983, and consistently ranked among the league leaders in passing yards and touchdowns.

Moon’s CFL dominance opened the door to the NFL, where he went on to play 17 seasons with the Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs. Known for his poise in the pocket and his powerful, accurate arm, he retired with numerous professional football records, including career passing yards, completions, and touchdown passes. By the end of his career, Moon had thrown for more than 70,000 yards combined between the CFL and NFL, making him one of the most prolific passers in football history.

His extraordinary achievements have been recognized with inductions into the Edmonton Eskimos Wall of Honour (2001), the Canadian Football Hall of Fame (2001), the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2006)—where he became the first Black quarterback enshrined—Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame (2009), the Washington Sports Hall of Fame (2012), and the California Sports Hall of Fame (2015).

A trailblazer both on and off the field, Warren Moon shattered barriers, inspired generations, and remains one of football’s most enduring icons.