Lenny Moore
Leonard Edward Moore (born
November 25 1933 in
Reading, Pennsylvania) is a former
American football running back who played for
Penn State in college and the
Baltimore Colts. He came to the Colts in 1956, and had a productive first pro season and was the NFL Rookie of The Year.
Moore was both a great runner and receiver. He lined up both in the backfield as a halfback and split wide as a flankerback, and was equally dangerous in both positions. He averaged 7 yards per carry or more in several seasons. In
1957, he caught for 40 receptions for 938 yards and 7 touchdowns, it was the first of 5 straight years in which Lenny would catch 40 or more receptions. In
1958, he caught a career high 50 receptions for 938 yards and 7 touchdowns as he led the Colts to the NFL Championship that year and in
1959 he caught 47 receptions as he led the Colts to their 2nd straight NFL Championship.
He was tagged with more nicknames than an unpopular schoolboy: "
Sputnik" for the fear he incited in opposing defenses, "The Reading Rocket", for his unmatched speed and "Spats", for the way he taped his high-top shoes. Lenny appeared to be an easy target. But it was he who toyed with linebackers and defensive ends for 12 NFL seasons - all in a maddeningly un-bully-like fashion.
After being injured in the 1963 season and losing his starting job, Moore had one of his best statistical seasons when he scored 20 touchdowns and was named
NFL Comeback Player of the Year, and helped lead the Colts to the NFL Championship Game for the third time in his career.
Moore scored a touchdown in an NFL-record 18 consecutive games starting in
1963 and continuing through the entire
1964 season, ending in
1965. This record stood for 40 years until being equaled by
LaDainian Tomlinson in
2005.
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Member profile*
Most updated Baltimore Colts site*
The Pennsylvania Football News All-Century Team