Kellen Moore: A Football Journey
Kellen Moore has carved out a unique legacy in football, transitioning from an exceptional college quarterback to an NFL player and later a respected coach. His career is marked by an incredible football IQ, precision passing, and an ability to understand the game at a high level.
—
Early Life and High School Career
Kellen Christopher Moore was born on July 5, 1988, in Prosser, Washington. Football was in his blood from an early age. His father, Tom Moore, was the head coach of Prosser High School’s football team, which gave young Kellen an early start in the sport. Growing up, he was immersed in football strategy, often watching game film with his father and absorbing the intricacies of offensive playcalling.
At Prosser High School, Moore quickly established himself as a standout quarterback. Despite his smaller stature (eventually listed at 6 feet tall, 200 pounds), he possessed an exceptional understanding of the game and a pinpoint-accurate arm. By the time he graduated, he had passed for over 11,000 yards and 173 touchdowns, earning recognition as one of the top high school quarterbacks in the state. However, major college programs largely overlooked him due to his size and lack of elite athleticism.
—
College Career at Boise State (2007–2011)
Moore received interest from several programs but ultimately chose Boise State University, a school known for developing overlooked talent. Under head coach Chris Petersen, Moore redshirted his freshman season in 2007 before taking over as the starting quarterback in 2008.
2008: Redshirt Freshman Year
Moore made an immediate impact, leading Boise State to a 12-1 record and throwing for 3,486 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions set him apart. Boise State won the WAC Championship, though they lost to TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl.
2009: National Recognition
In his sophomore year, Moore elevated his game further, leading the Broncos to an undefeated 14-0 season and a Fiesta Bowl victory over TCU. He threw for 3,536 yards, 39 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions, finishing seventh in Heisman Trophy voting. His performance cemented him as one of the most efficient quarterbacks in college football.
2010: Continued Dominance
Moore entered the 2010 season as a Heisman frontrunner. He led Boise State to another stellar year, finishing with 3,845 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. The Broncos finished 12-1, with their only loss coming in an overtime thriller against Nevada. He finished fourth in Heisman voting and was a finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award, given to the nation’s top quarterback.
2011: The Winningest QB in NCAA History
Moore’s senior season was another success, with 3,800 yards, 43 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Boise State finished 12-1 again, capping the season with a Las Vegas Bowl victory. By the end of his college career, Moore had a 50-3 record as a starter, the most wins by a quarterback in NCAA history at the time. He left Boise State as the school’s all-time leader in passing yards (14,667) and touchdowns (142).
Despite his incredible college success, NFL scouts remained skeptical of his small frame, lack of elite arm strength, and below-average mobility.
—
NFL Career (2012–2017)
Detroit Lions (2012–2014)
Moore went undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft, but the Detroit Lions signed him as a free agent. He spent three seasons in Detroit (2012-2014) but never played in a regular-season game, serving as a backup to Matthew Stafford. His football intelligence kept him on the roster, but he never got an opportunity to start.
Dallas Cowboys (2015–2017)
In 2015, Moore signed with the Dallas Cowboys. After injuries to Tony Romo and backup Brandon Weeden, Moore got his first NFL action late in the 2015 season. He started two games, throwing for 779 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Though he showed flashes of his passing ability, he struggled with turnovers.
A broken ankle in 2016 forced him to miss the entire season. In 2017, he returned but was released mid-season and transitioned into coaching.
—
Coaching Career (2018–Present)
Dallas Cowboys (2018–2022)
After retiring as a player, Moore quickly moved into coaching. In 2018, the Cowboys hired him as their quarterbacks coach, and by 2019, he was promoted to offensive coordinator (OC) under head coach Jason Garrett.
Under Moore’s leadership, the Cowboys’ offense flourished, ranking first in total yards in 2019. He helped develop Dak Prescott into one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. Even after Mike McCarthy became head coach in 2020, Moore remained OC, and the Cowboys continued to have one of the league’s most productive offenses.
The Cowboys’ offense consistently ranked in the top 10 under Moore, but playoff disappointments led to criticism. After the 2022 season, he and the team mutually parted ways.
Los Angeles Chargers (2023–2024)
Moore quickly found a new job as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. Expectations were high, as he was given the opportunity to work with star quarterback Justin Herbert. However, the Chargers struggled with injuries and inconsistent play, leading to a disappointing season. After just one year, Moore and the Chargers parted ways.
Philadelphia Eagles (2024–Present)
In early 2024, Moore was hired as the offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, tasked with improving their offensive scheme and maximizing the talent of Jalen Hurts.
—
Legacy and Impact
Kellen Moore’s career is a testament to football intelligence and adaptability. Though he lacked elite physical tools, he became one of the most successful college quarterbacks ever. His transition into coaching has been swift, and he is widely regarded as one of the brightest young offensive minds in football.
Many believe Moore could become an NFL head coach in the future, given his deep understanding of offensive schemes and his ability to develop quarterbacks. Whether with the
Eagles or another team, his influence on the game will likely continue to grow.
Be the first to comment