Anthony Aseli Moeaki (born June 8, 1987) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was selected in the third round of the 2010 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, and also played for the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, and Atlanta Falcons.
Early life Anthony graduated high school at Wheaton Warrenville South High School in 2005 and was high school football teammates with fellow Iowa Hawkeye Dace Richardson. In addition to football, he was also played basketball and tennis.
College career Moeaki played college football at the University of Iowa from 2005 to 2009.
Statistics
+ Receiving statistics 2005Iowa Hawkeyes811214.0360 2006Iowa Hawkeyes1114012.7353 2007Iowa Hawkeyes1417012.1523 2008Iowa Hawkeyes1314411.1481 2009Iowa Hawkeyes3038712.9544 TOTAL7695312.55411
Professional career Pre-draft Moeaki was projected to be a third or fourth round pick in the 2010 NFL draft by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked as the seventh tight end prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com and was ranked the eighth best tight end by Bleacher Report.
Kansas City Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs selected Moeaki in the third round (93rd overall) of the 2010 NFL draft. The Kansas City Chiefs traded their fourth (102nd overall) and fifth round picks (144th overall) in the 2010 NFL draft to the Houston Texans in order to acquire the third round pick (93rd overall) used to draft Moeaki. Moeaki was the fourth tight end drafted from a class that included Rob Gronkowski, Jermaine Gresham, and Jimmy Graham.
On July 22, 2010, the Chiefs signed Moeaki to a four-year, $2.47 million contract. He scored his first NFL touchdown in his first NFL game on Monday Night Football on September 13, on a two-yard pass from quarterback Matt Cassel against the San Diego Chargers. Following the team's game against the San Francisco 49ers, Moeaki received the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week award after he recording 44 receiving yards and a spectacular one-handed touchdown grab.
On September 1, 2011, Moeaki was placed on injured reserve after suffering an injury during a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, which kept him out of the entirety of the 2011 NFL season. Moeaki was reunited with quarterback Ricky Stanzi in 2011 when the Kansas City Chiefs drafted him in the 5th round.
In 2012, Moeaki shared the starting role with Kevin Boss until Boss went on the IR in Week 2, when he became the primary tight end. He ended the year with 33 receptions for 453 yards and a touchdown.
After fracturing his shoulder in the preseason, Moeaki was waived by Kansas City with an injury designation on August 31, 2013. He cleared waivers and was subsequently added to the Chiefs' injured reserve list. On October 23, an injury settlement was reached and Moeaki became a free agent.
Buffalo Bills On December 4, 2013, Moeaki signed with the Buffalo Bills. On August 29, 2014, Moeaki was released during the Bills' final preseason roster cutdowns.
Seattle Seahawks
Moeaki signed with the Seattle Seahawks on November 4, 2014. In his second game with the Seahawks, Moeaki scored a touchdown against his former team, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Atlanta Falcons On March 19, 2015, Moeaki signed with the Atlanta Falcons. On September 5, Moeaki was released by the Falcons. On October 6, Moeaki was re-signed by the Falcons.
Chicago Bears On June 16, 2016, Moeaki signed with the Chicago Bears. He was cut by Chicago at the end of training camp on September 3.
Personal life Moeaki is also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Moeaki's father, Sione Moeaki, won a national championship as a member of Brigham Young University Rugby Team and was a Deans assistant at West Chicago Community High School.
In 2010, Moeaki's sister and former BYU basketball player, Keilani Moeaki, married former Chicago Bears running back Harvey Unga.
References
External links
Iowa Hawkeyes bio LeVar Woods Football Academy bio