Kenny Moore II’s Accomplishments on and off the Field Reflect an Unyielding Work Ethic
Writer / Ryan Kennedy
Photography Provided
Indianapolis Colts fans have known about Kenny Moore II and his talent since the team signed the undrafted rookie out of Valdosta State University off of waivers in 2017. In 2021 the defensive back cemented his status as a star player, recording 101 tackles, a sack, four interceptions and a forced fumble. He was one of only two defensive backs to register 100 tackles and at least 10 passes defensed. The fans and the rest of the league took notice and Moore was selected to his first Pro Bowl.
Moore says during the season he’s focused on one thing – doing his job to the best of his ability. He says that as the season progresses, players start thinking more and more about the possibility of making the Pro Bowl.
“This is part of the reason why we play,” he says. “I mean, who wouldn’t want to be known as one of the best at their position? Yeah, we want to win a Super Bowl. Yeah, we want to win each week. But for us to do that, I have to play great.”
Moore keeps an eye on all of the other defensive backs around the division, tracking their accomplishments, always working towards being the best defensive back in the American Football Conference (AFC). He says it was during a game against the New England Patriots, and the second matchup against the Houston Texans where he recorded his fourth interception of the season and forced a fumble, that Moore knew he was a Pro Bowler.
When Colts Head Coach Frank Reich read Moore’s name off the list of Pro Bowl selections, Moore flashed back to all the hard work, stress and preparation he had put himself through, from college to being an undrafted rookie, all the way through his professional career.
The work Moore puts in to succeed on the field is matched by the work he puts in to help the community around him. Moore was nominated by the Colts for the 2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Moore is heavily involved in various charities, notably those that help children like the Mighty Mason Fund, A Kid Again, and Hope to Dream.
Moore has been involved in charity work going all the way back to his days at Valdosta State. He says he doesn’t care how he helps – he just wants to make people in the community feel special and care for them. Being a philanthropist has always been a part of who he is.
“I’m not here to play football,” Moore says. “I don’t think God has put me in this position just to play football and eat, breathe, sleep football. Some people are like that, but I just feel like I’ve always been that kid that had different dimensions about myself – and it’s being a good person. It’s being respectful. It’s being admirable. I just wanted to make a positive impact in the communities that I resided in. Just being here in Indy, I’m just taking it for what it is. I just want to embrace everything about Indy.”
Indianapolis has embraced Moore and he’s embraced the community. During his time in Indianapolis, Moore has developed a love for racing. He’s set up a racing simulator in his basement and recently took the Colts defensive backs go-kart racing – a race which he won. Moore also attended the Indianapolis 500.
Selection to the Pro Bowl hasn’t dampened Moore’s hunger to be the best. Every season is different, but Moore’s preparation is the same. “Proving myself first that I am who I say I am – I am who I believe I am,” he says. “It’s that worker’s mentality of being that Division II player, of being unknown, unrecognized – just that hungry feeling. There’s a continuous chip on my shoulder each off-season, preparing for the season.”
With a new defensive coordinator, new defensive coaches and new faces around the locker room, Moore says he’s excited to get back in the Colts complex and prepare for the new season. He says he took a big step last year, physically, mentally and emotionally. He’s focused on taking another big step this season.
Kenny Moore and the Colts play their first preseason game of the 2022 season on August 13. The Colts are hoping to win the AFC South for the first time since 2014.
