It’s hard to picture the Indianapolis Colts’ defense without Kenny Moore II. For nearly a decade, he’s been a fixture in the secondary - a relentless, undersized corner who plays with the heart of a linebacker and the instincts of a seasoned vet.
Among active Colts, Moore is tied with Zaire Franklin for the third-most games played in franchise history (127), trailing only Luke Rhodes and Grover Stewart. That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident - especially not at one of the most physically demanding positions on the field.
Moore’s journey to becoming a cornerstone of the Colts' defense is the kind of story that resonates with fans and teammates alike. Undrafted out of Valdosta State in 2017, he had a brief stint with the Patriots before landing in Indianapolis just days before the season kicked off.
By the following year, he had earned a starting job. And from that point on, he never looked back.
What Moore lacked in prototypical size - standing at 5'9", 190 pounds - he made up for in grit, football IQ, and a tackling ability that made him one of the league’s most reliable slot corners. In many ways, he’s been the closest thing the Colts have had to a Bob Sanders-style enforcer in the secondary since Sanders himself. Not quite as explosive, but every bit as fearless.
Slot corners don’t always get the spotlight, but they live in the chaos - battling tight ends, receivers, and even offensive linemen who outweigh them by 50 to 100 pounds. And yet, Moore has held his ground for nine seasons, consistently showing up, suiting up, and making plays.
He’s battled injuries - that’s part of the job when you play with the kind of physicality Moore brings every week. But even with the bumps and bruises, he’s managed to hit double digits in games played in every season of his career. That’s a testament to both his toughness and his commitment.
And when he’s been healthy, he’s been one of the best at what he does. In 2021, Moore earned a Pro Bowl nod after racking up over 100 combined tackles - a rare feat for any cornerback.
To put that in perspective, Indy’s Jaylon Jones led all corners last year with exactly 100 combined. Moore’s 82 solo tackles that same season?
Even more impressive. Last year, the league leaders at the position - Jones and Seattle’s Devon Witherspoon - topped out at 66.
But time, as it always does in the NFL, may be catching up.
Moore’s still playing well, but his performance has dipped slightly as the 2025 season has worn on. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s currently on pace for the second-lowest grade of his career. His 64.4 overall mark is still solid - especially considering the role he plays - but it’s a sign that the physical toll of nearly a decade in the slot may be starting to show.
And then there’s the financial side of the equation.
Moore turns 31 before the 2026 season. That’s not ancient by NFL standards, but for a player who relies so heavily on quickness, physicality, and anticipation, it’s a tricky age.
Bob Sanders retired at 30. Tyrann Mathieu - a similarly sized, similarly styled player - is still going at 32, but that’s the exception, not the rule.
Moore is under contract through 2026, but his cap hit next season is north of $13 million. Cutting him would leave the Colts with about $6 million in dead money - not ideal, but potentially necessary if GM Chris Ballard needs to free up space for extensions, including for players like Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce.
Of course, you don’t move on from a player like Kenny Moore without a plan. That’s where Justin Walley comes in.
The 2025 third-round pick out of Minnesota hasn’t seen the field yet - he’s been sidelined all season with a torn ACL - but the Colts clearly see something in him. At a similar size to Moore, Walley plays with the same kind of toughness and instincts that made Moore such a valuable piece of the defense for so long. If his recovery stays on track, he could be the next man up - and at a fraction of the cost.
That’s the business side of football. But the emotional side? That’s where things get tougher.
If this is indeed the final act of Kenny Moore’s time in Indianapolis, it’ll be hard for Colts fans to say goodbye. For nearly ten years, No. 23 has been the guy flying into the frame, taking down ball carriers twice his size, and setting the tone for the defense. He’s been more than just a player - he’s been a presence, a leader, and a fan favorite.
And if this is the end of his run in Indy, it deserves to be appreciated for what it’s been: a remarkable journey from undrafted longshot to one of the most dependable, respected defenders in franchise history.