Brief Introduction of Riley Moss
Riley Moss is an American professional football player who currently serves as a cornerback for the Denver Broncos in the National Football League (NFL). He rose to prominence during his collegiate career at the University of Iowa, where he was a standout player for the Hawkeyes. Known for his exceptional athleticism, strong defensive skills, and a knack for making crucial plays, Moss has established himself as a formidable presence on the field. His impressive college performance, which included being named the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year in 2021 and earning two First-team All-Big Ten selections, culminated in him being selected by the Broncos in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Since joining the NFL, Moss has continued to develop his skills, earning a starting position and making significant contributions to the Broncos’ defense. He is particularly noted for being the first white player to start at the cornerback position in an NFL game in nearly two decades, a testament to his dedication and talent in a demanding role.
Riley Moss Overview
| Full Name | Riley Moss |
| Date of Birth | March 3, 2000 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 25 |
| Birthplace | Ankeny, Iowa, U.S. |
| Profession | American Football Cornerback |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Mark Moss (Father), Beth Moss (Mother) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Emilee Peterson |
| Net Worth | Approximately $5.45 million |
Early Life and Education of Riley Moss
Riley Moss was born on March 3, 2000, in Ankeny, Iowa. Growing up in a football-loving family, his passion for the sport was ignited at a young age, heavily influenced by his father, Mark Moss, who played football at Waldorf University. Moss attended Ankeny Centennial High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in both football and track. His prowess on the track was particularly noteworthy; as a senior, he set an Iowa state record in the 110-meter high hurdles with a time of 13.85 seconds. This athletic achievement led to a nomination for the Iowa Male Athlete of the Year award in 2018. Initially, Moss committed to play college football at North Dakota State. However, a late offer from the University of Iowa, his father’s favorite team, led him to decommit and join the Hawkeyes. At Iowa, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in sports and recreation management.
Riley Moss’s Career
Riley Moss’s football career is a story of perseverance and steady improvement. He joined the Iowa Hawkeyes as a blue-shirt recruit, meaning he initially paid his own tuition before earning a scholarship after his freshman season. He made an immediate impact, earning the Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week award after a two-interception game against Minnesota. Over his five seasons with the Hawkeyes, Moss appeared in 54 games with 40 starts, accumulating 158 tackles, 11 interceptions (three of which he returned for touchdowns), 37 passes defensed, and two forced fumbles.
His junior and senior years were particularly distinguished. As a junior, he earned an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. His senior season began with a spectacular performance against Indiana, where he returned two interceptions for touchdowns. This performance earned him national recognition and set the stage for a standout year. In 2021, he was named the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and was a first-team All-Big Ten selection, an honor he would receive again in 2022. His exceptional play also earned him third-team All-American honors in 2021.
In the 2023 NFL Draft, Riley Moss was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round as the 83rd overall pick. In his rookie season, he appeared in 14 games, primarily on special teams and as a reserve defensive back. Heading into the 2024 season, Moss was named a starting cornerback for the Broncos, a significant milestone. His first start was historic, as he became the first white player to start at cornerback in an NFL game since Jason Sehorn in 2003. Throughout his professional career, he has continued to demonstrate the work ethic and playmaking ability that defined his time at Iowa.
Riley Moss Personal Life & Family
Riley Moss maintains a relatively private personal life. He is in a relationship with Emilee Peterson. The couple has been known to be active on social media, sharing their support for one another. Moss’s family has been a significant source of support throughout his career. His father, Mark Moss, is an elementary school principal and a devoted Iowa Hawkeyes fan who instilled a love for the game in his son. His mother, Beth Moss, is an Assistant Professor of Nursing and is also a vocal supporter of his career. His parents were actively involved in advocating for the continuation of the Big Ten football season during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awards and Achievements of Riley Moss
- Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year (2021)
- 2x First-team All-Big Ten (2021, 2022)
- Third-team All-American (2021)
- Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (2020)
- Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week
- Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Week
- Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week
Riley Moss Net Worth and Income
Riley Moss signed a four-year rookie contract with the Denver Broncos worth approximately $5.45 million. This contract included a signing bonus of $961,809. His salary is structured to increase over the four years of the contract. In 2023, his earnings were $990,452, and they are projected to rise to $1,485,678 in 2025. Information regarding his earnings from endorsements and other partnerships is not publicly available, but it is expected to grow as his profile in the NFL increases.
Legacy and Influence
Despite being early in his professional career, Riley Moss is already making a significant impact. His journey from a two-star high school recruit to an NFL starter is an inspiration to many aspiring athletes. He is recognized for his strong work ethic, dedication, and leadership qualities, which were evident during his time at Iowa when he and other senior players chose to participate in their final bowl game, a decision many top draft prospects forgo. His aggressive and instinctive playing style, combined with his physical talents, make him a valuable asset to the Broncos’ defense. Furthermore, his historic achievement as the first white starting cornerback in the NFL in nearly two decades has brought a unique spotlight to his career, challenging stereotypes and demonstrating that talent and hard work are the ultimate determinants of success in the sport.
Interesting Facts about Riley Moss
- He was a state champion and record holder in the 110-meter hurdles in high school.
- Moss shares the Big Ten record for two interception return touchdowns in a single game.
- He initially paid his own way as a “blue-shirt” recruit at the University of Iowa before earning a scholarship.
- In a single game against Indiana in 2021, he scored two defensive touchdowns by returning two interceptions.
- He is one of only three players in University of Iowa history to have three interception return touchdowns in his career.
Controversies
Information not publicly available.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Information not publicly available
Final Words about Riley Moss
Riley Moss’s journey in the world of professional football is a testament to his athletic ability, resilience, and unwavering dedication. From his early days as a multi-sport star in Iowa to becoming a key defensive player for the Denver Broncos, his career has been on a steady upward trajectory. With a solid foundation built on a successful collegiate career and a promising start in the NFL, Moss is well-positioned to continue making a significant impact on the sport. His physicality, football intelligence, and playmaking skills suggest a long and successful career ahead. As he continues to develop and gain experience at the professional level, Riley Moss is a player that fans and analysts will be watching closely for years to come.
