Colts' Kenny Moore II Recognized as Nominee for 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have nominated cornerback Kenny Moore II for the prestigious 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. This award honors an NFL player for his exemplary contributions both on and off the field.
Kenny Moore began his journey in football after a standout career at Valdosta State. Although he went undrafted in 2017, he signed with the New England Patriots, but was quickly waived. The Colts claimed him off waivers, and he has been part of their team ever since.
In 2018, Moore formed a profound friendship with “Mighty” Mason Garvey, a seven-year-old boy battling stage 4 embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Their bond became a pivotal part of both their lives, as they shared joyful moments together.
Moore made over 40 visits to Riley Children’s Hospital to connect with Mason through video games and companionship. He also became a familiar face at Mason's home, where they played basketball and spent time together as friends. They enjoyed attending Pacers games and other local events side by side.
Their connection culminated in 2019 when they ran out onto the field together at Lucas Oil Stadium before a game against the Denver Broncos. Tragically, Mason passed away in 2020.
In honor of Mason's legacy, Moore actively supports the Mighty Mason Fund for Palliative Care at Riley Hospital and serves on the board of A Kid Again, which provides children undergoing cancer treatment with joyful experiences that allow them to be kids again.
In 2022, Moore founded the Love One Foundation aimed at helping families overcome hardships by equipping them with essential tools to achieve success—particularly focusing on underserved youth.
This year alone, Moore surprised students at Northwest Middle School by creating an esports gaming room and helped enhance resources for teachers by expanding their supply room. Additionally, he initiated a partnership with Cardinal Ritter High School to provide ongoing support for dedicated students, hosted a back-to-school event this summer, and served as an honorary captain during a Cardinal Ritter football game on October 11.
For seven consecutive years, Moore has organized a free youth football camp in Valdosta. Recently, he collaborated with local restaurateur Nick Harden to offer over 13,000 free meals to residents and first responders in October.
“Whenever we need him, he’s right there,” Harden said. “He steps up. And we’re so thankful for his giving spirit.”
On the field, Moore is recognized as one of the NFL's premier slot cornerbacks since joining the Colts. He stands out as one of only four active players in NFL history with over 500 tackles, 15 interceptions, and 10 sacks—an impressive feat among just seven cornerbacks in league history who can claim such numbers. Notably, he's recorded four defensive touchdowns including two pick-sixes in one game during the current season.
As of now in 2024 season play through eleven games, Moore has amassed 62 tackles, five passes defended, half a sack, one interception along with one fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
“He’s one of our captains for a reason—a leader in the backend; tough,” said Colts head coach Shane Steichen. “It’s been a pleasure to be around him.”
“I’m blessed to be a blessing,” Moore expressed.