Former NFL Pro Bowler Has Tragically Died
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The football world lost one of its toughest cornerbacks, former NFL Pro Bowler Zeke Moore, who died at the age of 82.
Moore passed away on September 22, and his funeral was held on Tuesday. He spent 11 seasons with the Houston Oilers and became one of its most durable players during the late 1960s and 1970s.
The Tennessee Titans, who used to be the Oilers, shared a tribute on X to honor him this week, “The Tennessee Titans mourn the loss of former Oiler (1967-1977), Zeke Moore,” the team said. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Moore Left His Mark In Houston
The Oilers selected Moore in the fifth round of the 1967 NFL Draft. He quickly became an important part of the Houston defense.
Moore earned a starting role in 1969. He recorded four interceptions that season, including a pick-six. He also recovered two fumbles and earned AFL All-Star honors in the final season before the AFL-NFL merger.
Moore continued to make an impact after the merger. In 1970, he picked off six passes, which marked a career high. He also earned his lone Pro Bowl selection that year.
The Tennessee Titans mourn the loss of former Oiler (1967-1977), Zeke Moore
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones 🩵 pic.twitter.com/b0phSmsKnL
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) September 30, 2026
The Oilers struggled during much of the early 1970s. They won only six games from 1971 through 1973. Moore still remained a regular presence on the field.
He appeared in all but eight games from 1970 until his retirement in 1977. Over his 11 seasons in Houston, Moore started 103 of 145 games. He finished his career with 24 interceptions, eight fumble recoveries, and two interception returns for touchdowns.
Moore also helped the Oilers in the return game. In 1967, he averaged 16.4 yards per punt return and 28.9 yards per kickoff return. He returned a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown in a win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
After football, Moore stayed in Houston. He later worked as a team ambassador for the Houston Texans when the NFL returned to the city.
