Riley Moss Bio
Riley Moss is an American professional football cornerback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Born on March 3, 2000, in Ankeny, Iowa, Moss emerged as one of the most accomplished defensive backs in college football before beginning his NFL career. He played collegiate football for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 2018 to 2022, where he earned recognition as a two-time First-team All-Big Ten selection and won the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year award in 2021. The Denver Broncos selected Moss in the third round, 83rd overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has since become a starter in their defensive secondary.
Early Life and Background
Riley Moss grew up in Ankeny, Iowa, where he attended Ankeny Centennial High School. During his high school career, he played both football and ran track, developing the speed and agility that would define his future as a defensive back. As a senior at Centennial, Moss demonstrated his dual-threat ability by catching six passes for 167 yards and a touchdown on offense while also recording 29 tackles and an interception on defense.
Initially, Moss committed to play college football at North Dakota State entering his senior season. However, after receiving a late offer from the University of Iowa, he decommitted from North Dakota State and chose to continue his football career closer to home with the Hawkeyes.
Path to Professional Football
Moss joined the Iowa Hawkeyes as a blue-shirt recruit and waited until after his freshman season to be awarded a scholarship. He quickly made an impact, earning Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week honors after intercepting two passes against Minnesota. His playmaking ability and nose for the football became hallmarks of his game throughout his collegiate career.
During his junior season, Moss recorded 43 tackles with four passes broken up and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. His performance earned him honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition. As a senior, he showed his big-play ability by returning two interceptions for touchdowns in the season opener against Indiana, though he later missed three games due to a torn posterior cruciate ligament suffered in Iowa’s victory over fourth-ranked Penn State.
Riley Moss Career
College Career (2018–2022)
Riley Moss spent five seasons with the Iowa Hawkeyes, establishing himself as one of the premier defensive backs in the Big Ten Conference. His progression from a blue-shirt freshman to an All-American caliber player demonstrated his dedication and improvement year over year. Moss finished his college career with multiple interceptions returned for touchdowns and consistent production in the Hawkeyes’ stingy defense.
His senior season, despite the injury setback, showcased his playmaking instincts with multiple defensive touchdowns. Moss’s ability to create turnovers and change games with his ball skills made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams seeking lockdown cornerback talent.
Denver Broncos Breakthrough (2023–Present)
The Denver Broncos selected Riley Moss with the 83rd overall pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he appeared in 14 games, gaining valuable experience in the professional ranks while learning behind veteran defensive backs. His transition from the college game to the NFL showed promise as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of professional competition.
Prior to the 2024 season, Moss was named the Broncos’ second starting cornerback, lining up opposite All-Pro Patrick Surtain II. He earned his first career start in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, becoming only the second white player to start at the cornerback position since Jason Sehorn in 2002. This milestone highlighted both his rapid development and the historic nature of his achievement in a position that has seen limited representation.
Notable Events and Milestones
In Week 3 of the 2024 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Moss forced a fumble off tight end Cade Otton in the fourth quarter, demonstrating his physicality and impact on games beyond just coverage. Safety Brandon Jones recovered the fumble and returned it 34 yards, showcasing the defense’s collective effort. In Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Moss recorded his first career interception off a pass from Gardner Minshew, becoming the first white cornerback to record an interception since Jason Sehorn in 2002. This achievement further cemented his place in NFL history and validated his early success in the league.
Career Statistics and Performance
Through Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season, Riley Moss has established himself as a reliable starter in the Broncos’ secondary. He has recorded 172 total tackles, 27 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. These statistics reflect a player who contributes consistently against both the run and pass while demonstrating the ball skills that characterized his college career.
Riley Moss Career Wins
Riley Moss has built an impressive record of achievements across both his collegiate and professional careers, with individual accolades complemented by team success at every level.
College Highlights
At Iowa, Moss earned recognition as Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year in 2021, the same year he received First-team All-Big Ten honors. He repeated as a First-team All-Big Ten selection in 2022, making him one of the most decorated defensive backs in program history. His multiple interception returns for touchdowns showcased his ability to change momentum and score points for his team.
Professional Achievements
In the NFL, Moss has steadily accumulated playing time and production, appearing in over 25 games through his first three seasons. His Week 15 interception against the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 season marked his second career interception, continuing his trajectory as a playmaking cornerback in the league. His consistent presence in the Broncos’ starting lineup represents the realization of his potential as a Day 2 draft pick.
Riley Moss Family
Personal Life
Riley Moss maintains his connection to his Iowa roots while pursuing his professional career in Denver. His journey from Ankeny Centennial High School to the University of Iowa and ultimately to the NFL represents a home-state progression uncommon among professional athletes. Moss continues to engage with fans through social media platforms, sharing glimpses of his professional and personal life with his followers.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has seen Riley Moss emerge as a full-time starter and key contributor to the Broncos’ defensive identity. His second interception of the season against the Green Bay Packers demonstrated continued growth and consistency in coverage. Playing opposite Patrick Surtain II has provided Moss with mentorship opportunities while challenging him to perform against elite competition each week. The Broncos’ defensive scheme has featured Moss in various roles, utilizing his instincts and ball skills to generate turnovers and limit opposing passing attacks. As he enters his third professional season, Moss appears poised to build upon his foundation of success and establish himself among the league’s reliable young cornerbacks.