Ezekiel “Zeke” Moore obit

 Ezekiel “Zeke” Moore Has Died

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Ezekiel “Zeke” Moore, former Houston Oilers cornerback and longtime Houston community figure, died on September 22, 2026, at the age of 82. Born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on December 2, 1943, Moore’s life was defined by athletic excellence, leadership, and service to others.

Moore’s athletic journey began at Booker T. Washington High School and Tuskegee Laboratory High School, where he distinguished himself in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He earned All-State and All-District honors in basketball and captained both his football and basketball teams during his senior year .

He continued his education and athletic career at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, excelling as a halfback, defensive back, and return specialist. In 1964, he led the team in scoring and delivered standout performances, including a 101‑yard interception return and multiple long touchdown returns . By 1966, he was a team co‑captain and one of the program’s most dynamic players and had six interceptions in nine games that season..

Moore was drafted by the Houston Oilers in the fifth round of the 1967 NFL/AFL Draft and went on to spend his entire 11‑year professional career with the franchise. He became known for his speed, instinct, and reliability, returning kicks as a rookie before emerging as a starting cornerback. His career highlights included a Pro Bowl selection in 1970 and an AFL All‑Star honor in 1969 . Over 145 games, he recorded 24 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns, and remained a cornerstone of the Oilers’ defense throughout the 1970s.

After retiring from football, Moore continued to serve his community. He spent five years as a Houston Texans ambassador and later became president of the Townwood Homeowners Association in Houston. He also served as a Texas Registered Peace Officer, reflecting his lifelong commitment to leadership and public service .

Moore’s legacy endures through his contributions to sports and community life. He was inducted into the Lincoln University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011 and was selected by fans for the Houston Oilers’ 30th Anniversary Dream Team in 1989 .

Condolences to his family and friends and may he Rest in Peace.

 

Zeke Moore

No. 22

Position           Cornerback

Personal information

Born    December 2, 1943 (age 82)

Tuskegee, Alabama, U.S.

Listed height   6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)

Listed weight  198 lb (90 kg)

Career information

High school     Booker T. Washington (Tuskegee)

College            Lincoln (MO)

NFL draft        1967: 5th round, 127th overall pick

Career history

Houston Oilers (1967-1977)

Awards and highlights

Pro Bowl (1970)

AFL All-Star (1969)

Career NFL/AFL statistics

Interceptions    24

Fumble recoveries       8

Touchdowns    4