Kenny Moore II Biography: Age, Height, Family, NFL Career, Stats, Contract & 2026 Trade News
Kenny Moore II stands as one of the NFL’s most accomplished undrafted defensive backs, transforming from an overlooked prospect into one of the league’s premier slot cornerbacks over nine seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. As of April 2026, the Pro Bowl cornerback faces a pivotal career crossroads as he and the Colts mutually seek a trade partner to continue his impressive NFL journey.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Kenneth Moore II |
| Nickname | “The Mayor” |
| Profession | NFL Cornerback |
| Date of Birth | August 23, 1995 |
| Age | 30 years 7 months old |
| Birthplace | Valdosta, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | 190 lbs (86 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Education | Valdosta State University (Mass Media) |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Private |
| Known For | Pro Bowl cornerback, slot coverage specialist |
| Net Worth | $15-20 million (estimated) |
| Years Active | 2017âpresent (9 NFL seasons) |
| Current Team | Indianapolis Colts (seeking trade) |
| Jersey Number | #23 |
Early Life & Education
Childhood
Kenny Moore II was born on August 23, 1995, in Valdosta, Georgia, a city known for producing elite football talent. Unlike many NFL stars who began playing football in elementary school, Moore did not play organized football until his senior year at Lowndes High Schoolâa remarkable late start for a future professional defensive back.
During his lone high school football season in 2012, Moore recorded 18 tackles, two interceptions, and two pass breakups. Lowndes High School posted a 9-2 record and advanced to the GHSA Class AAAAAA Playoffs. Beyond football, Moore participated in soccer, basketball, and track, developing the athletic versatility that would later define his NFL career.
College Career
Moore attended Valdosta State University, a Division II powerhouse, where he played for the Blazers from 2013 to 2016. His collegiate career demonstrated significant progression:
2013 (Freshman): Played in 10 games with one start, recording 12 solo tackles, six assists, and one interception.
2014 (Sophomore): Appeared in all 13 games, totaling 26 solo tackles, 11 assists, five pass breakups, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.
2015 (Junior): Started 12 games with 34 solo tackles, 17 assists, one sack, six pass breakups, and three interceptions (two returned for touchdowns). Earned First-team All-Gulf South Conference (GSC), D2CAA Second-team All-Super Region Two, and USA College Football Division II Second-team All-American honors.
2016 (Senior): Converted to safety, playing 11 games with 45 solo tackles, 20 assists, one sack, eight pass breakups, and five interceptions. Earned GSC All-Academic, Second-team All-GSC, and AFCA First-team All-American recognition. His 11 career interceptions rank fifth all-time in Valdosta State history.
Moore majored in mass media at Valdosta State and participated in the Tropical Bowl all-star game in January 2017.
Career Journey
New England Patriots (2017)
The New England Patriots signed Moore as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2017, offering a three-year, $1.66 million contract with just a $2,000 signing bonus. He competed for a roster spot during training camp but was waived on September 2, 2017, during final roster cuts despite what observers described as a strong preseason performance.
Indianapolis Colts (2017âPresent)
The Indianapolis Colts claimed Moore off waivers on September 3, 2017, launching what would become a nine-season partnership. This waiver claim proved to be one of the most valuable acquisitions in recent Colts history.
Establishing Himself (2017â2020)
Moore immediately contributed to the Colts defense, playing 16 games as a rookie with five starts. His versatility as a slot cornerback and willingness to contribute in run support distinguished him from typical cornerbacks. By 2018, he had secured a starting role, recording 77 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and three interceptions.
Pro Bowl Peak (2021)
The 2021 season represented Moore’s career apex. He started all 17 games, recording career highs in tackles (102), solo tackles (82), and tying his career high with four interceptions. He added 13 pass deflections, six tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. This performance earned him his first and only Pro Bowl selection and established him as one of the NFL’s elite slot cornerbacks.
Contract Extension Era (2022â2025)
In 2022, Moore held out of voluntary organized team activities seeking a contract extension, eventually reporting for mandatory minicamp. He played 12 games that season before suffering an ankle injury that landed him on injured reserve.
On March 13, 2024, Moore signed a three-year, $30 million contract extension with the Colts, making him the highest-paid nickel cornerback in NFL history at that time. The deal included $6.75 million in signing bonuses and was structured to keep him in Indianapolis through the 2026 season.
During the 2023 season, Moore delivered a historic performance against the Carolina Panthers, returning two interceptions for touchdowns in a single gameâa feat never before accomplished by a Colts defensive player. He finished that season with 93 tackles, three interceptions, 1.5 sacks, and two defensive touchdowns in 16 starts.
In 2025, Moore’s role diminished somewhat with the additions of Charvarius Ward and Sauce Gardner to the Colts secondary. He started only 7 of 14 games, recording 55 tackles, 1.5 sacks, six pass breakups, one interception, and two forced fumbles while playing 76% of defensive snaps.
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games | Tackles | Sacks | INT | PBU | FF | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | IND | 16 | 38 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| 2018 | IND | 15 | 77 | 1.5 | 3 | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | IND | 11 | 61 | 2.5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | IND | 16 | 80 | 2 | 4 | 13 | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | IND | 17 | 102 | 1 | 4 | 13 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | IND | 12 | 65 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | IND | 16 | 93 | 1.5 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| 2024 | IND | 15 | 78 | 0.5 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | IND | 14 | 55 | 1.5 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| Career | 132 | 649 | 11.5 | 21 | 68 | 6 | 4 |
2026 Trade Request
On April 10, 2026, ESPN reported that the Colts and Moore mutually agreed to seek a trade partner, signaling the end of his nine-year tenure in Indianapolis. The decision comes as Moore enters the final year of his three-year, $30 million extension signed in 2024.
The trade request stems from multiple factors: Moore’s $13.1 million cap hit for 2026, the Colts’ desire to save over $7 million in cap space by releasing or trading him, and the emergence of younger defensive backs on the roster. At 30 years old (turning 31 in August 2026), Moore faces questions about his long-term value despite his established track record.
Moore responded to the trade news with a brief six-word statement: “Colts Nation, it’s been real #23,” expressing gratitude while acknowledging the business reality of the NFL.
Net Worth & Earnings
Kenny Moore II has accumulated significant wealth through his NFL career, with estimated net worth between $15-20 million as of 2026.
Contract History:
- 2017 (Patriots/Colts): 3-year, $1.66 million (undrafted free agent deal)
- 2019 (Colts): Re-signed to multi-year extension
- 2024 (Colts): 3-year, $30 million extension ($6.75M signing bonus)
Career Earnings: Moore has earned approximately $30+ million in career salary through the 2025 season. His 2026 salary of $9.49 million represents the final year of his current deal, though a trade would likely require contract restructuring.
Physical Statistics
| Measurement | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5’9″ | 175 cm |
| Weight | 190 lbs | 86 kg |
| Arm Length | 32â ” | 83 cm |
| Hand Span | 9â ” | 24 cm |
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.47 seconds | â |
| Vertical Jump | 40.5″ | 103 cm |
| Broad Jump | 10’7″ | 3.23 m |
Moore’s athletic testing at Valdosta State’s Pro Day demonstrated elite explosiveness, particularly his 40.5-inch vertical jumpâexceptional for a defensive back.
Personal Life
Moore maintains significant privacy regarding his personal and family life. Unlike many NFL stars with extensive social media presence, Moore keeps his focus on football and community engagement. He is known to be close with his family and maintains ties to his Valdosta, Georgia hometown.
He is actively involved in community service through the Colts’ outreach programs and has participated in youth football camps in Georgia and Indiana.
Awards & Achievements
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Bowl Selection | 2021 | First and only selection |
| AFC Defensive Player of the Week | 2023 | Week 9 (2 INT TDs vs. Panthers) |
| First-team All-American (DII) | 2016 | AFCA recognition |
| Second-team All-American (DII) | 2015 | USA College Football |
| First-team All-GSC | 2015 | Gulf South Conference |
| GSC All-Academic | 2016 | Valdosta State recognition |
Interesting Facts
- Late Start: Moore did not play organized football until his senior year of high school, making his journey to the NFL remarkably atypical.
- Undrafted Success: Despite going undrafted in 2017, Moore has earned over $30 million in career earnings and became the highest-paid slot cornerback in NFL history.
- Historic Performance: Moore is the first player in Indianapolis Colts franchise history to record two defensive touchdowns in a single game (November 5, 2023 vs. Panthers).
- Versatile Athlete: Before focusing on football, Moore participated in soccer, basketball, and track at Lowndes High School.
- Small School Standout: As a Division II product from Valdosta State, Moore represents one of the most successful undrafted defensive backs in modern NFL history.
- Nickel Specialist: Moore revolutionized the slot cornerback position, proving that interior defenders could command premium contracts traditionally reserved for outside corners.
- Waiver Wire Gem: The Colts claimed Moore off waivers for virtually nothing in 2017; he became one of the team’s defensive captains and longest-tenured players.
Did You Know?
- Did you know Kenny Moore II didn’t play football until his senior year of high school, yet became a Pro Bowl NFL cornerback just five years later?
- Did you know Kenny Moore II was waived by the Patriots in 2017 before becoming the Colts’ all-time leader in tackles among undrafted defensive backs?
- Did you know Kenny Moore II made history as the first Colts player ever to score two defensive touchdowns in a single game?
- Did you know Kenny Moore II signed a contract in 2024 making him the highest-paid nickel cornerback in NFL history?
Social Media
- Instagram: @kenny.mooreii
- X (Twitter): @KennyKennyMoe3
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How old is Kenny Moore II?
A: Kenny Moore II is currently 30 years old, born on August 23, 1995. He will turn 31 in August 2026.
Q: What team does Kenny Moore II play for?
A: As of April 2026, Kenny Moore II remains under contract with the Indianapolis Colts, though both parties have mutually agreed to seek a trade.
Q: What is Kenny Moore II’s contract?
A: Moore signed a three-year, $30 million extension in March 2024. He enters the final year of that deal in 2026 with a $9.49 million base salary and $13.1 million cap hit.
Q: Has Kenny Moore II made a Pro Bowl?
A: Yes, Moore was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2021 after recording 102 tackles and four interceptions.
Q: Where did Kenny Moore II go to college?
A: Moore attended Valdosta State University, a Division II school in Georgia, where he majored in mass media.
Q: Why are the Colts trading Kenny Moore II?
A: The trade stems from salary cap considerationsâIndianapolis can save over $7 million by moving Mooreâcombined with roster changes and Moore’s age (30).
Conclusion
Kenny Moore II’s journey from a high school football latecomer to one of the NFL’s premier slot cornerbacks exemplifies perseverance and elite skill development. His nine-year tenure with the Indianapolis Colts established him as a franchise defensive cornerstone and the highest-paid player at his position. As he enters the 2026 season seeking a new team via trade, Moore brings a proven track record of production, versatility, and leadership that should interest contending teams needing secondary help. Whether he remains in Indianapolis or finds a new home, his legacy as one of the most successful undrafted defensive backs of his generation remains secure.
