Early Life And Career

Warren Moon: NFL Legend Who Broke Barriers for African-American Quarterbacks

Early Life and Career

Warren Moon was born in Los Angeles, California, on November 18, 1956. He played college football for the University of Washington and was a highly touted NFL prospect. However, Moon was initially passed over by NFL teams due to the prevailing belief that African-American quarterbacks lacked the necessary skills.

The Edmonton Eskimos

Despite the setbacks, Moon signed with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 1978. In Edmonton, Moon flourished, leading the Eskimos to five Grey Cup championships and becoming one of the most successful quarterbacks in CFL history. His success in Canada earned him a second chance in the NFL.

NFL Career

In 1984, Moon joined the Houston Oilers and quickly established himself as one of the league's top quarterbacks. He guided the Oilers to multiple playoff appearances and set numerous passing records. Moon spent 17 seasons in the NFL, playing for the Oilers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs. He retired in 2001 as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in league history.

Impact and Legacy

Warren Moon's success in the NFL paved the way for other African-American quarterbacks to follow in his footsteps. His exceptional talent and determination shattered the misconceptions about the position. Today, Moon is widely recognized as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.