Lenny Moore

The Revolutionary Dual-Threat Back Who Redefined the NFL

Few players in NFL history have combined speed, power, and versatility as seamlessly as Lenny Moore. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, two-time NFL Champion, seven-time Pro Bowler, and one of the most dynamic players of the 1950s and 1960s, Moore was a pioneer of the modern running back position, excelling as both a rusher and receiver in ways that had never been seen before.

Nicknamed "Sputnik" for his blazing speed, Moore was a nightmare for defenders, capable of breaking off a 75-yard touchdown run just as easily as catching a deep pass for a score. Playing for the Baltimore Colts under Johnny Unitas, Moore helped define the West Coast-style offense before it even existed, proving that running backs could be dominant weapons in both the rushing and passing games.

Beyond his on-field excellence, Moore was also a leader and a trailblazer, one of the first Black superstars in professional football, helping break barriers and paving the way for future generations of dual-threat backs like Marshall Faulk, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Christian McCaffrey.

The Numbers Behind Moore’s Greatness

• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1975, first-ballot)
• Two-time NFL Champion (1958, 1959, Baltimore Colts)
• Seven-time Pro Bowler (1956, 1958-1962, 1964)
• Five-time First-Team All-Pro (1958-1961, 1964)
• NFL MVP (1958 by NEA)
• NFL Rushing Touchdowns Leader (1964, with 19 TDs at age 31)
• NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
• NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
• Career Stats:
  • 12,451 all-purpose yards (6th all-time at retirement)
  • 5,174 rushing yards & 63 rushing touchdowns
  • 6,039 receiving yards & 48 receiving touchdowns
  • 17.0 yards per reception (highest for a running back in NFL history)

Moore was the first running back in NFL history to amass over 5,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards, proving he was far ahead of his time as a dual-threat offensive weapon.

The College Years – A Star at Penn State

Before he became an NFL legend, Moore was already an unstoppable force at Penn State, where he developed into one of the nation’s most dangerous offensive players.

• Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1933, Moore grew up during a time of racial segregation and adversity, using sports as his way out.
• He attended Penn State University, where he became the Nittany Lions' most explosive player, excelling as a halfback and receiver.
• He finished his college career with over 2,000 yards from scrimmage, showing elite speed, elusiveness, and breakaway ability.
• The Baltimore Colts selected him 9th overall in the 1956 NFL Draft, setting the stage for a Hall of Fame career.

Despite playing in an era where Black athletes faced enormous obstacles, Moore’s talent was undeniable, and he quickly became a star in the pros.

The Baltimore Colts Years – A Key Piece of an NFL Dynasty

Moore arrived in Baltimore in 1956, joining a team led by quarterback Johnny Unitas and coached by the legendary Weeb Ewbank.

• As a rookie, Moore was immediately one of the most versatile players in football, rushing for 649 yards and catching 43 passes for 648 yards, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
• In 1958 and 1959, he helped lead the Colts to back-to-back NFL Championships, playing a key role in the 1958 NFL Championship Game (aka "The Greatest Game Ever Played"), where Baltimore defeated the New York Giants in the first-ever overtime championship game.
• His ability to play running back and wide receiver at an elite level made him an unstoppable offensive weapon, capable of lining up anywhere on the field.
• From 1957 to 1961, Moore recorded five straight 1,000-yard seasons from scrimmage, proving that he was the ultimate dual-threat playmaker.

During this era, Moore was the NFL’s most dangerous open-field runner, using his elite vision, cutting ability, and long speed to make defenders look foolish.

The Record-Setting 1964 Season – The Greatest Comeback Year in History

By the early 1960s, injuries had begun to take their toll on Moore, and many believed he was past his prime.

Then came 1964—the greatest "comeback" season ever for a running back.

• At age 31, when most running backs had already declined, Moore shocked the NFL, leading the league with 19 rushing touchdowns, setting a record that stood for decades.
• He recorded 1,346 yards from scrimmage, proving that he was still one of the most feared players in football.
• He also set an NFL record for most consecutive games with a touchdown (18), a mark that stood until 2003.
• His dominance earned him his fifth First-Team All-Pro selection and made him the Comeback Player of the Year.

Moore’s 1964 season is still considered one of the greatest for a running back over 30, proving his durability, toughness, and timeless skillset.

Breaking Barriers and Leading the Next Generation

Beyond his on-field greatness, Moore was also a pioneer for Black athletes in professional football.

• He was one of the first Black superstars in the NFL, helping to integrate the league and open doors for future Black players.
• He endured racial discrimination and segregation throughout his career, yet he handled it with class, dignity, and quiet strength.
• After retiring, he became a mentor for young players, helping pave the way for the next generation of dual-threat running backs.
• He worked in community service programs, helping at-risk youth in Baltimore and beyond.

Moore’s impact on the game went far beyond statistics—he changed the way the running back position was played and how Black athletes were perceived in the NFL.

Defining Moments of Moore’s Career

• 1956 – NFL Rookie of the Year Contender: Immediately becomes one of the league’s most versatile backs.
• 1958 – The Greatest Game Ever Played: Helps the Colts win their first championship in the NFL’s first-ever overtime title game.
• 1959 – Back-to-Back Championships: Cements himself as one of the league’s biggest stars.
• 1964 – The Record-Breaking Comeback: At age 31, leads the NFL with 19 rushing TDs, proving he’s still elite.
• 1975 – Hall of Fame Induction: Becomes a first-ballot Hall of Famer, recognized for his revolutionary impact on the game.

The Most Iconic Lenny Moore Football Cards

Moore’s football cards are highly valuable and sought after by collectors, representing one of the greatest all-purpose backs in history.

• 1957 Topps #19 Lenny Moore Rookie Card – His most famous and valuable card, showing him in his prime Colts uniform.
• 1960 Fleer #32 Lenny Moore – A great mid-career card, capturing him as one of the best players in the NFL.
• 1965 Philadelphia #7 Lenny Moore – Released during his incredible comeback season, making it a fan favorite.

For serious collectors, owning a Lenny Moore card is like owning a piece of football history.

A Legacy That Changed Football Forever

Lenny Moore wasn’t just a great player—he was a revolutionary figure.

• He was one of the first dual-threat backs, showing that a running back could also be an elite receiver.
• He helped break barriers for Black players, paving the way for future generations of NFL stars.
• His elite speed, vision, and toughness made him one of the most feared and respected players in history.

A Colts Icon, A Dual-Threat Pioneer, and One of the Greatest Running Backs of All Time.