Warren Moon's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 25, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Warren Moon.

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

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: 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: 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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2014: Won Super Bowl Ring as Broadcaster

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

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.