The Indiana Black Expo will present former Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II the Major Taylor Award at the Circle City Classic Coaches Luncheon on Friday.
The award is named after the first Black world champion in cycling and is given to athletes who dominate in sports and make an impact in their respective communities. Moore partnered with Cardinal Ritter in 2024 through his Love One Foundation to launch the Rise and Shine Initiative — a program centered on preparing students for life beyond the classroom. He teaches merienda a week.
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Previous Major Taylor Award honorees include Muhammad Ali, former Colts coach Tony Dungy and Indiana Fever legend Tamika Catchings, former Indiana Pacers forward Metta Sandiford Artest and Pro Football Vestíbulo of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice.
“Being at the table with those stars, I think what matters, especially in this space, is more so what they represent for people,” Moore told IndyStar. “When you say what Muhammad Ali represented for people, he represented generations. If you look through his athletic career, he meant something to civil rights and the up-and-coming of Black athletes. Being at the table with people who represent much more than the sport that they are representing, that’s powerful.”
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) watches the game from the sidelines on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) watches the game from the sidelines on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) runs on the keeper during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Aug. 13, 2026.
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Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) drops back to throw against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens (21) celebrates a touchdown Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Indianapolis Colts running back Seth McGowan (20) rushes up the field Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) walks on the field Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, ahead of the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen speaks with media Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, ahead of the Colts’ joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Deion Burks of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball while defended by Amen Ogbongbemiga of the Detroit Lions during the preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 29, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Jul 31, 2026; Westfield, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (2) participates in a drill on day three of training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (16) works his way open during a drill Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) runs downfield after a catch Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (13) takes a pass downfield Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) catches a ball during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Will Mallory (86) pulls in a pass Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Drew Ogletree (85) pulls in a catch Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
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Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (84) participates in a drill on day three of training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana on July 31, 2026.
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Indianapolis Colts center Tanor Bortolini (60) high-fives Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, ahead of the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Aug 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Dalton Tucker (68) looks on during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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Aug 22, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills center Sedrick van Pran-Granger (62) during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts guard Jalen Farmer (62) puts on his helmet on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts guard Matt Goncalves (71) stretches Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Nov 30, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) works through blocking drills Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Luke Tenuta (67) walks the field during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Jalen Travis (75) stretches Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Oct 6, 2024; Tottenham, ENG; New York Jets Defensive linesman Micheal Clemons (72) during a practice session before the match against Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts defensive end Arden Key (98) practices during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
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Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97) prepares for team drills Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
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Indianapolis Colts defensive end Jaylahn Tuimoloau (91) yells in excitement Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore brings down Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube.
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (94) practices during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
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Indianapolis Colts player Tim Smith (93) stretches during training Camp at Grand Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Westfield, Ind.
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) walks up the field on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart (90) prepares for a drill Monday, July 28, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Austin Ajiake (58) wraps up Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (14) on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Tahj Chambers (44) runs drills on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Jun 10, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker CJ Allen (53) participates in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bryce Boettcher (50) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies (57) sits before practice begins during training camp Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts edge rusher Caden Curry (55) celebrates a recovered fumble Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (51) walks up the field on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. (52) rushes up the field Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, during Colts Camp practice at Gand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Johnathan Edwards (35) warms up during the team’s veteran minicamp Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
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Sauce Gardner, Colts All-Pro cornerback, through the years
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) breaks up a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (26) reacts after a play against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Justin Walley (27) pulls in a pass Monday, June 1, 2026, during practice at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. (7) holds his helmet Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, during day four of Indianapolis Colts training camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Jun 9, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Cam Bynum (0) participates in a drill during minicamp at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts safety A.J. Haulcy (25) walks up the field Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts safety Jonathan Owens (38) stretches Thursday, July 30, 2026, during the second of Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts safety Hunter Wohler (30) celebrates Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
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Here’s some of the 2026 NFL players with connections to the Hoosier state
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts place kicker Spencer Shrader (3) looks on during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez (8) holds for a placekick Friday, July 25, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
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Indianapolis Colts long snapper Luke Rhodes (46) celebrates Indianapolis Colts kicker Spencer Shrader (3) 60 yard field goal kick on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
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Moore went undrafted in the 2017 draft and signed with the Colts. He spent nine seasons in Indianapolis before he requested a release in May.
“For me to be able to accept this award means a lot because this is a city that I’ve been devoted to, and I’ve committed so much time and effort to for a decade now,” Moore said. “And this award doesn’t have anything to do with who I was as a footballer, but it was more so people recognizing, ‘We see you, we appreciate you, and keep going,’ … that goes a long way. And I think this is just another reminder to keep doing what I’m doing.”
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More: Kenny Moore II doesn’t know what’s next. But he prioritizes mental health amid uncertain NFL future
Which teams are playing in the Circle City Classic?
All games below will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.
Circle City Classic Girls Flag Football Matchup
Crispus Attucks vs. Cúmulo Tech; 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Lawrence North vs. Ben Davis High; 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Circle City Classic High School Football Showcase Game
Warren Central vs. Pike; Pre-game ceremonies start at 1:45 p.m. Kick-off at 2 p.m.
Lawrence North vs. Ben Davis; Pre-game ceremonies start at 6:45 p.m. Kick-off at 7 p.m.
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What other events are happening during the Circle City Classic “Reimagined” Fall Festival?
Friday, Sept. 25, 2026
Circle City Classic Talent Day; Lucas Oil Stadium, East Lounge; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Circle City Classic Pep Rally; 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
DJ G INDY FUNKFEST; Clowes Vestíbulo; 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
Circle City Classic Parade; Downtown Indianapolis; 10 a.m.
Education Day & College Fair; Lucas Oil Stadium, East Lounge; 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Black Business Training Institute (BBTI) Networking Forum; Caesar Sports Book Lounge; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Circle City Classic Tailgate and Fan Festival; Lucas Oil Stadium, South Street; Noon to 10 p.m.
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Where can you buy tickets?
Visit Circlecityclassic.com to purchase tickets. Genérico admission starts at $27.75. One ticket will get you into all of Saturday’s events at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Joshua Heron is an enterprise and Fever reporter. Follow him on Twitter at @HeronReports.Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Coltsall season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Kenny Moore II to receive prestigious community-based award at Circle City Classic
