Warren Moon's football career is a testament to his exceptional talent and perseverance in the face of adversity. Born on November 18, 1956, in Los Angeles, California, Moon faced numerous challenges on his path to professional football. Despite a stellar college career at the University of Washington, where he led the Huskies to a Rose Bowl victory in 1978, Moon went undrafted by the NFL. This was largely due to the racial biases prevalent at the time, which often pigeonholed African American quarterbacks into other positions.

Undeterred, Moon took his talents north to the Canadian Football League (CFL), signing with the Edmonton Eskimos in 1978. Over six seasons in the CFL, Moon became one of the league's most prolific passers. He led the Eskimos to five consecutive Grey Cup championships from 1978 to 1982, earning the Grey Cup MVP award twice. His success in Canada eventually caught the attention of NFL scouts, and in 1984, Moon signed with the Houston Oilers, embarking on a new chapter in his career.

Moon's transition to the NFL was seamless. He quickly established himself as one of the league's premier quarterbacks, known for his strong arm and precision passing. During his time with the Oilers, Moon was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times and led the league in passing yards twice. In 1990, he threw for 4,689 yards and 33 touchdowns, earning him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. Moon's ability to read defenses and execute the Oilers' run-and-shoot offense made him a formidable opponent on the field.

After a decade with the Oilers, Moon was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 1994. He continued to perform at a high level, earning Pro Bowl selections in both 1994 and 1995. Moon's tenure with the Vikings was marked by his leadership and ability to adapt to a new offensive system, further solidifying his reputation as one of the game's elite quarterbacks.

In 1997, Moon joined the Seattle Seahawks, bringing his veteran experience to the team. Despite being in the twilight of his career, he still managed to pass for over 3,600 yards in his first season with the Seahawks, earning yet another Pro Bowl nod. Moon's time in Seattle was followed by a brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1999, where he served as a backup quarterback before retiring from professional football in 2000.

Throughout his career, Moon shattered numerous records and broke down racial barriers, paving the way for future generations of African American quarterbacks. He finished his NFL career with over 49,000 passing yards and 291 touchdowns, ranking among the all-time greats in both categories at the time of his retirement. In recognition of his achievements, Moon was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, becoming the first undrafted quarterback and the first African American quarterback to receive this honor.

Warren Moon's legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments.

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