Kenny Moore II: AthleteAnd Teacher
On Sundays, Kenny Moore II is one of the most reliable defensive backs in the league—a playmaker built on instincts, preparation and toughness. But on Tuesdays, he answers to a different name.
Mr. Kenny.
Every week, Moore walks into Cardinal Ritter High School, not as a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive back—but as an eighth-grade life skills teacher.
For an hour, he talks about things that don’t show up on stat sheets—financial literacy, relationships, mental health, decision-making. Real life.
Because for Moore, this isn’t extra.
It’s essential.
Long before professional football, Moore grew up surrounded by people who gave back.
Family members who opened their doors.
Communities that poured into each other.
"The household I grew up in was always a safe haven for family members and family friends that were dealing with something," Moore said. "It showed me the way of giving to people without looking for something in return."
That environment didn’t just shape what he saw—it shaped what he valued.
Now, years later, those same principles he learned as a kid show up in everything he does—including the classroom.
The connection to Cardinal Ritter started organically.
Moore said he first stopped by a couple years ago when his former trainer, Levar Johnson, became the school’s athletic director.
"I really just came by to pick on him," Moore laughed. "But the more I stayed around to meet the students, meet the staff, I just wanted to be a part of it."
What started as a visit turned into something more.
Through his Love One Foundation, Moore partnered with the school to launch the Rise and Shine Initiative—a program centered on accountability, showing up and helping students see a future beyond the classroom.
It was about more than grades.
It was about direction, opportunity and belief.
But for Moore, impact isn’t something you visit.
It’s something you commit to.
That commitment is why this school year, he took it a step further—stepping into the classroom himself.
And according to those around him, he hasn’t taken a single day lightly.
"He's taking it very seriously. He's not just here on Tuesdays, he shows up other days as well to support the students," Levar Johnson explained. "He's part of the fabric. He's part of the community."
Principal Kari Jost saw it the same way.
"When Kenny told me that he wanted to be in the building every week—even during the season—I thought it was remarkable," Jost said. "He's always here with the kids and ready to work with them."
Moore says the relationship doesn’t stop when the class ends.
It’s a mutual, two-way support system.
"It feels like I've gained little brothers and sisters," Moore said. "Just like I want them to do well in the classroom, they want me to do well on Sundays."
The NFLPA joined Moore for a day in the classroom. You can watch the full video here.
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