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 Minnesota 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.
