History of Warren Moon in Timeline

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

November 18, 1956: Warren Moon's Birth

On November 18, 1956, Harold Warren Moon was born. He would later become a professional football quarterback.

Others born on this day/year

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.

1977: Rose Bowl Upset Win and MVP Award

In 1977, as a senior, Warren Moon led the University of Washington Huskies to the Pac-8 title and a 27–20 upset win over Michigan in the Rose Bowl. Moon was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

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.

1978: First Grey Cup Win

In 1978, Warren Moon began his streak of five consecutive Grey Cup wins with the Edmonton Eskimos.

1978: Shared Signal-Calling Duties and Grey Cup Win

In 1978, Warren Moon signed with the Edmonton Eskimos and shared signal-calling duties with Tom Wilkinson, winning the first of four consecutive Grey Cups.

1980: Last Winning Season for Oilers Before Moon

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

1980: First Grey Cup Offensive MVP Award

In 1980, Warren Moon became Edmonton's No. 1 quarterback and won his first Grey Cup Offensive MVP award as Edmonton defeated Hamilton 48–10 to win their third consecutive Grey Cup.

1981: Won Fourth Consecutive Grey Cup

From 1978 to 1981, Warren Moon and the Edmonton Eskimos won four consecutive Grey Cups during this span.

1981: Marriage to Felicia Hendricks

In 1981, Warren Moon married Felicia Hendricks, whom he had known since they were 16 years old.

1981: Overcame Struggles to Win Grey Cup

In 1981, Warren Moon started as Edmonton's No. 1 quarterback but struggled during the Grey Cup against Ottawa, leading to him being replaced. Moon returned in the second half to lead the team to a 26-23 victory, winning a CFL record fourth consecutive Grey Cup.

1982: Fifth Consecutive Grey Cup

In 1982, Warren Moon and the Edmonton Eskimos won their fifth consecutive Grey Cup, which remains a CFL record.

1982: Set Passing Record and Won Grey Cup MVP

In 1982, Warren Moon became the first professional quarterback to pass for 5,000 yards in a season. He also passed for 36 touchdowns and led Edmonton to their fifth consecutive Grey Cup victory, earning his second Grey Cup Offensive MVP award.

1983: League-Leading Stats and Individual Awards

In 1983, Warren Moon set league records in pass completions, attempts, and yards. He was nominated as the West All-Star quarterback, won the Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy, and was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player; however, the Eskimos were throttled in the West semi-final.

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: Threw for Franchise Record

In 1984, Warren Moon threw for a franchise-record 3,338 yards in his first season with 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.

December 16, 1990: 527 Passing Yards Against Kansas City

On December 16, 1990, Warren Moon threw for 527 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs, the second-most passing yards ever in a single game.

1990: Named Offensive Player of the Year

In 1990, Warren Moon was named Offensive Player of the Year in the NFL after leading the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns.

1992: Playoff Loss to Buffalo Bills After Historic Comeback

In 1992, the Houston Oilers, led by Warren Moon, lost to the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the AFC playoffs after the Bills completed a historic 32-point comeback. Moon finished the game with 36 completions for 371 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.

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.

1996: Contract Extension and Injury

In 1996, the Vikings signed Warren Moon to a three-year contract extension. However, he missed half of the season with a broken collarbone.

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.

2000: Retired from NFL

In 2000, after playing 17 seasons in the NFL with the Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs, Warren Moon retired from professional football.

January 25, 2001: Announced Retirement

On January 25, 2001, Warren Moon announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 44.

2001: Divorce from Felicia Hendricks

In 2001, Warren Moon and Felicia Hendricks divorced after having three children together.

2001: Inducted into Canadian Football Hall of Fame

In 2001, Warren Moon was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

2004: Franchise Record for Wins Broken

In 2004, Steve McNair broke Warren Moon's franchise record with Houston for wins. Moon still holds the Oilers/Titans franchise records for passing touchdowns, passing yards, pass attempts, and pass completions.

2005: Marriage to Mandy Ritter

In 2005, Warren Moon married his second wife, Mandy Ritter. They had one child and are currently separated.

October 1, 2006: Tennessee Titans Retired Moon's Number

On October 1, 2006, the Tennessee Titans retired Warren Moon's number at halftime during a game against the Dallas Cowboys.

2006: Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

In 2006, Warren Moon was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, becoming the first African-American quarterback and the first undrafted quarterback to receive this honor.

2006: Ranked Among Greatest CFL Players

In 2006, Warren Moon was ranked fifth on a list of the greatest 50 CFL players by Canadian sports network TSN.

2010: Fumble Records Surpassed

In 2010, Brett Favre surpassed Warren Moon's individual NFL lifetime records for most fumbles recovered and most fumbles made.

2011: Mentored Cam Newton

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

2014: Won Super Bowl Ring as Broadcaster

In 2014, Warren Moon won his first Super Bowl ring as a broadcaster for the Seattle Seahawks.

December 2017: Suspension from Sportscaster Position

In December 2017, Warren Moon was suspended indefinitely from his sportscaster position after being sued for sexual harassment.

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.