Skyy Moore: From Shady Side Academy Standout to NFL Wide Receiver

Skyy Moore, born on September 10, 2000, is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist.

High School Career

Skyy Moore was a do-it-all player at Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, after beginning his high school years at Valley High School in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. There, he was a two-time Allegheny Conference Offensive Player of the Year after topping 1,000 yards as both a rusher and a passer in back-to-back seasons. Moore became the first player in conference history to rush and pass for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. Twice named all-conference on offense and defense. Moore finished high school with 3,500 yards from scrimmage and 100 touchdowns. Incredibly, he was actually recruited as a defensive back and had won the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year award. No. 36 ranked player in the state. He played quarterback and defensive back.

Recruitment

As a three-star recruit, Moore received offers from a number of schools, including Yale, Rice, Buffalo, Brown, and Columbia. Of course, he opted to go to Western Michigan where he quickly converted to wide receiver.

College Career at Western Michigan

Skyy Moore quickly transitioned to wide receiver at Western Michigan University.

2019 Season

In his freshman season, Moore became just the third freshman since 1982 to receive Mid-American Conference first-team all-conference honors. He did so by catching 51 passes for 802 yards and three touchdowns. First team All-MAC pick. First Bronco wide receiver to be first team All-MAC since Corey Davis in 2016. First MAC true freshman wide receiver to be first team all-league since Roger Lewis of Bowling Green in 2014, the first in WMU history and just the third in the MAC since 1982. He played in all 13 games and started the final 12. He caught 51 passes for 802 yards (15.73) and three TDs. Rushed one time for two yards (2.00) and a score. Returned one punt for 0 yards (0.00) and one kickoff for 13 yards (13.00). In the MAC, ranked fourth in receiving yards per game (61.69), fourth in total receiving yards, ninth in yards per reception and tied for 10th in receptions per game (3.92). Nationally, ranked 86th in receiving yards and 87th in receiving yards per game and yards per reception. Led MAC freshmen in receiving yards, receptions and receptions per game. Nationally among rookies, stood fourth in receiving yards. Had 1+ reception in all 13 games, 4+ in eight contests including a season-high nine grabs at Northern Illinois. Logged seven receptions against Toledo and six versus Georgia State. Posted three 100+ yard performances, against Ohio (162), Northern Illinois (125) and Toledo (101). Receiving yardage against Ohio marked the second most in program history by a freshman, only trailing Corey Alston’s 263 versus Eastern Michigan in 1997. Surpassed 65 receiving yards in seven games. Had a team-high 15 catches of 20+ yards including a career-long reception of 61 yards against Ohio. Hauled in a TD apiece against Monmouth, Bowling Green and Ohio. Attempted only rush of the year against the Bobcats, making a two-yard plunge for a touchdown. Returned a kickoff 13 yards at No. 19 Michigan State and had a punt return for 0 yards versus Georgia State.

Read also: More on Shakeel Moore

2020 Season

Played in five of six games during the pandemic-shortened season. Finished the yar with 25 catches for 388 yards and three TDs. Had touchdowns in three-straight games against Toledo, Northern Illinois and Eastern Michigan. Made eight catches for 105 yards in the season finale at Ball State. Could play a role in the return game. Preseason first team All-MAC honoree by Athlon Sports and second team by Phil Steele.

2021 Season

With a full-slate of games on the schedule and star receiver D’Wayne Eskridge departed for the NFL, Moore was in line for a significant role in 2021. He took full advantage with 95 receptions (125 targets) for 1,292 yards and 10 touchdowns. That included an amazing performance against Northern Illinois in the regular-season finale where he had 12 catches for 206 yards and four touchdowns. It was one of four games in which he caught at least 11 passes.

Strengths and Style

Skyy Moore is a fast, explosive player with versatility and quickness. He combined all of those traits for an incredibly productive third season at Western Michigan. Moore can win in all areas of the field. He’ll use his great speed to get open deep, his nifty route-running to win in the short and intermediate areas, and his explosion, acceleration, and quickness to turn a slant or screen into a long score. Moore will likely settle in as a slot/Z at the NFL level. Teams will manufacture touches for him to take advantage of his run after catch ability. Moore checks a bunch of the analytical boxes and will likely crush the NFL Combine.

NFL Career

Skyy Moore slid a bit further down than we’d hoped. There was talk that he could go as early as the first round. Instead, he drops to pick 54 as the 13th wide receiver off the board.

Kansas City Chiefs (2022-2025)

The landing spot, however, makes up for it. Moore is heading to Kansas City to pair up with Patrick Mahomes. He’s an excellent fit in the Chiefs offense which lost Tyreek Hill this offseason. Moore is no Hill, but his speed, explosion, quickness, and versatility will give Mahomes and Andy Reid a fun weapon to play with. Moore appeared in 16 games, of which he started three, as a rookie. Moore scored his first career regular season touchdown in the Chiefs' week 2 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on a 9-yard catch.

Read also: Moore's Record-Breaking Career

In Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles, Moore caught three passes for 17 yards and one touchdown, helping the Chiefs win 38-35.

Skyy Moore was placed on injured reserve (IR) in December 2023 and was designated to return from injured reserve in January 2024.

The Chiefs placed Skyy Moore on IR in October 2024.