Former Buffalo Bills linebacker retires, thanks the team

After a successful eight-season career, former Buffalo Bills linebacker Arthur Moats announces his retirement.

Former Buffalo Bills sixth-round pick Arthur Moats has called it a career. A defensive end turned linebacker turned edge rusher out of James Madison, Moats played four years with the Bills after being drafted by the team in 2010. During his time in Western New York, the linebacker played 59 games — starting 20 — and recorded 5.0 sacks, 119 total tackles, and 14 quarterback hits.

Despite being a late-round pick, Moats was an effective player for the Bills. But his tenure in Buffalo may be best be remembered by the tackle that ended Brett Favre‘s consecutive game streak and winning the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2013.

After tackling the Hall of Famer, in the off-season, he got a tattoo on his back that said: “Don’t Cross the Moats.”

After his time in Buffalo, Moats signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers; where he played his best football as a rotational pass-rusher. In his four years in Pittsburgh, the linebacker played 62 regular season games and started 25. He tallied 11.5 sacks, 83 total tackles, and 24 quarterback hits.

In 2018, Moats moved on, signing with the Arizona Cardinals. But he never played a game in the desert. Before the season started, the 31-year-old tore his ACL and was released shortly after, effectively ending his NFL career. On June 10th, he announced his retirement from the NFL on social media, thanking the Bills and Steelers.

As for life after football, Moats appears to have a plan. He’s recently been seen as a media analyst for the Steelers. Hopefully, this next venture is as fruitful as his lengthy, improbable NFL career.