Colts release Kenny Moore II

TL;DR

The Indianapolis Colts have released Kenny Moore II after failing to find a trade partner following his pre-Draft request. Moore II, a fan favorite and Pro Bowl player, had a significant impact during his nine-year career with the team.

Key points

Colts released Kenny Moore II after failed trade attempts
Moore II was a fan favorite and Pro Bowl player
He played 132 games and had 21 interceptions in his career
Justin Walley is expected to replace him at nickel corner

Indianapolis ColtsKenny Moore IIJustin Walley

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 22: Kenny Moore II #23 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after an interception while playing the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images On Thursday afternoon, the Colts announced they released Kenny Moore II after being unable to find a trade partner for their longtime starting nickel corner following his pre-Draft trade request. Other moves announced on Thursday was the release of recently unreturned Safety Nasir Adderley and waiving linebacker John Bullock. Kenny Moore II was a fan favorite amongst Colts fans. His energy was considered electric in the locker room, giving him the moniker: *“Lightning in a Bottle*” during his 2021 Pro Bowl season. The Valdosta, Georgia native initially was signed by the New England Patriots in 2017 but didn’t make the final roster cut downs. The Colts signed him off of waivers the next day just before Chris Ballard’s first season as the Colts General Manager was set to begin. Moore II’s blend of instincts, football IQ, speed, agility, and rare length allowed him to overcome being an overlooked 5’9 Undrafted Free Agent in 2017 out of Valdosta State in Division II. He appeared in 132 games (tied 23rd most in Indianapolis Colts history) with 111 starts during his 9 year career in Indy, emerging as a leader and consistent playmaker. Kenny Moore II ranks 3rd in Indianapolis Colts history (tied 11th in Colts history) in interceptions (21) and is tied 6th all time for most sacks by a corner (11.5) for any team per Pro Football Reference. His commitment to excellence extended beyond the field, as Kenny Moore II embodied what it meant to be a Colt in his everyday life. He was nominated by the Colts thrice for the league’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2021, 2024, and 2025. He earned his nominations for his service to the community through his LoveOne Foundation with initiatives in youth football clinics, educational leadership and resources, disaster relief, and mental health & wellness with outreach that extends from Valdosta Georgia, Indianapolis Indiana, and beyond. He even took a part-time teaching job at Cardinal Ritter High School in Indianapolis to teach 8th Grade students essential life skills in financial literacy, mental health, relationship-building, and decision-making. The Colts plans at nickel Corner going forward appear to be trusting 2025 3rd round pick Justin Walley out of to replace Moore II as he makes his debut for the Colts following a 2025 joint-Training Camp ACL tear that cost him his rookie season.

Q&A

Why did the Colts release Kenny Moore II?

The Colts released Kenny Moore II after being unable to find a trade partner following his pre-Draft trade request.

What are Kenny Moore II's career statistics with the Colts?

Kenny Moore II played in 132 games with 111 starts, recording 21 interceptions and 11.5 sacks during his nine-year career with the Colts.

Who will replace Kenny Moore II as the Colts' nickel corner?

The Colts plan to trust 2025 third-round pick Justin Walley to replace Kenny Moore II as their nickel corner.