Ahmad Rashad

Ahmad Rashad, born Robert Earl Moore in Portland, Oregon, on November 19, 1949, moved to Tacoma, Washington, where he embarked on his football career. After graduating from Mount Tahoma High School, Rashad accepted an athletic scholarship to the University of Oregon. He initially played wide receiver and wingback, earning all-conference honors in 1969. Transitioning to running back, he achieved All-American status in 1971, sharing the backfield with quarterback Dan Fouts. In his final collegiate season, Rashad recorded 1,211 rushing yards, 32 receptions for 324 yards, and 10 touchdowns, setting school records with 2,036 rushing yards, 1,565 receiving yards (on 131 receptions), and 36 career touchdowns. In 1972, he was the fourth overall selection in the NFL draft by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Rashad, who legally changed his name from Bobby Moore in 1973 after converting to Islam, continued his professional football career as a wide receiver. He played two seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals before being traded to the Buffalo Bills in 1974. Following a knee injury that sidelined him for the 1975 season, he joined the Minnesota Vikings in 1976. During his tenure with the Vikings from 1976 to 1982, he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection from 1978 to 1981. A notable moment in his career was the “Miracle at the Met” in 1980, a game-winning Hail Mary reception from Tommy Kramer against the Cleveland Browns, securing a Central Division title for the Vikings. He concluded his NFL career with 495 receptions for 6,831 yards and 44 touchdowns.

Upon retiring from football, Rashad transitioned into a successful broadcasting career. He became a prominent sportscaster for NBC and ABC, covering NFL, NBA, and MLB contests as a studio anchor and game reporter. He was particularly known for hosting “NBA Inside Stuff” for 16 seasons (1990–2004) and “NBA Access with Ahmad Rashad” (2005–2011). His media presence extended to hosting shows like “Real TV,” “Celebrity Mole,” and “Caesars Challenge.” An Emmy Award winner, Rashad worked with NBC Sports for 20 years, covering various major sports events. As of 2021, he is a member of the New York Knicks’ digital content team, creating videos for their YouTube channel and emceeing events at Madison Square Garden.