Knowshon Moreno
A dynamic running back whose passionate, all-effort style powered the Denver Broncos' record-breaking offense and captured the hearts of football fans.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American football player·Birthday: July 16·Millennials
Biography
Knowshon Moreno played football with a visible, tear-streaked passion that made him impossible to ignore. Drafted 12th overall by the Denver Broncos in 2009, the Georgia Bulldog star immediately injected energy into the backfield. His career trajectory mirrored the team's offensive revolution; as Peyton Manning arrived in 2012, Moreno evolved into a complete, three-down back. His finest season came in 2013, when he became the trusted safety valve and relentless rusher for a Broncos offense that shattered NFL scoring records on its way to Super Bowl XLVIII. Moreno was a study in contrasts—a hard-nosed runner between the tackles who also possessed soft hands for receiving, all performed with an emotional fire that famously showed during the national anthem. Though injuries cut his prime short, his peak season remains a key chapter in the story of one of football's most potent attacks.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Knowshon was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Knowshon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Knowshon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 13 total touchdowns in 2013 as the starting running back for the record-setting Denver Broncos offense.
- Played a key role in the Denver Broncos' AFC Championship victory in the 2013 season, leading up to Super Bowl XLVIII.
- Was a First-team All-American and Doak Walker Award finalist in 2008 during his college career at the University of Georgia.
Did You Know?
He was famously shown crying during the national anthem before a crucial game against Alabama in the 2012 SEC Championship.
In the same 2012 game, he hurdled over a defender, creating one of the most memorable images of his career.
He finished his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins after leaving Denver.
His first name, Knowshon, is unique and was created by his mother.
“I just try to play with emotion and leave it all out there on the field.”
