Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Warren Moon

Discover the career path of Warren Moon, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Harold Warren Moon is a former professional football quarterback who played for 23 seasons in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL). He achieved significant success with the Edmonton Eskimos in the CFL before joining the Houston Oilers in the NFL, where he became a star. He also played for the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs. Moon is recognized as one of the greatest undrafted players in NFL history, known for his strong arm and leadership.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1973: Reached City Playoffs and All-City Team Selection

In 1973, during Warren Moon's senior season at Alexander Hamilton High School, the football team reached the city playoffs, and Moon was named to the all-city team.

1974: Record-Setting Quarterback at West Los Angeles College

In 1974, as a freshman at West Los Angeles College, Warren Moon was a record-setting quarterback, though only a few four-year colleges showed interest in signing him.

1978: Started Professional Career with Eskimos

In 1978, Warren Moon began his professional career with the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League (CFL) after not generating interest from NFL teams.

1980: Last Winning Season for Oilers Before Moon

Before Warren Moon joined the Houston Oilers, the team's last winning season was in 1980.

1983: Bidding War Won by Oilers

In 1983, Warren Moon's decision to enter the NFL touched off a bidding war for his services, won by the Houston Oilers.

1984: Signed with the Houston Oilers

In 1984, after experiencing success in the CFL with the Edmonton Eskimos, Warren Moon signed with the Houston Oilers of the NFL.

1985: Head Coach Change

In 1985, Hugh Campbell did not finish the season as head coach of the Houston Oilers.

1986: Oilers Began Having Success

In 1986, Jerry Glanville found ways to best use Warren Moon's strong arm and the Houston Oilers began having success.

1987: First Winning Season Since 1980 and Playoff Victory

In 1987, the Houston Oilers posted their first winning season since 1980, with a 9–6 record. In his first NFL postseason game, Warren Moon passed for 237 yards and a touchdown in the Oilers' 23–20 overtime victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the wildcard round of the playoffs.

1988: First Pro Bowl Selection

In 1988, Warren Moon was selected to his first Pro Bowl.

1989: Launch of Crescent Moon Foundation

In 1989, Warren Moon launched the Crescent Moon Foundation, which provides college scholarships for economically disadvantaged students. He also supports various other charitable organizations.

1989: Highest-Paid Player in the NFL

Prior to the 1989 season, Warren Moon signed a five-year, $10-million contract extension, which made him the highest-paid player in the NFL at that time.

1993: Last Season with Oilers and Playoff Loss

In 1993, Warren Moon's last season with the Houston Oilers, the team went 12–4 and won the AFC Central division crown but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round of the playoffs.

April 14, 1994: Traded to Minnesota Vikings

On April 14, 1994, Warren Moon was traded to the Minnesota Vikings for draft picks and signed a two-year deal with the team.

1995: Continued Career with Vikings

In 1995, Warren Moon continued his career with the Minnesota Vikings after being traded to them in 1994.

1995: Ninth Pro Bowl Selection

In 1995, Warren Moon was selected to his ninth Pro Bowl.

1997: Made Pro Bowl and Named MVP

In 1997, Warren Moon signed with the Seattle Seahawks and made the Pro Bowl, where he was named Pro Bowl MVP.

1997: Ninth Pro Bowl Selection

In 1997, Warren Moon was selected to his ninth Pro Bowl.

1999: Signed with Kansas City Chiefs

In 1999, Warren Moon signed as a free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs as a backup quarterback.

October 22, 2000: Final Touchdown Pass

On October 22, 2000, Warren Moon threw his 291st and final touchdown pass to Troy Drayton against the St. Louis Rams.

2011: Mentored Cam Newton

In 2011, Warren Moon mentored Cam Newton, the first overall pick of the NFL draft.

2017: End of Broadcasting Career with Seattle Seahawks

In 2017, Warren Moon worked as a broadcaster for the Seattle Seahawks on both TV and radio until 2017.

2019: Titans Franchise Records

As of the 2019 NFL off-season, Warren Moon held at least 37 Titans franchise records, solidifying his place as one of the best players in the Oilers/Titans franchise history.