Ezekiel Aaron Moreno (born October 8, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL).
Moreno, who is of Mexican descent, attended Castle Park High School in Chula Vista, California, and was a letterman in football and baseball.[2] As a freshman, he was called up to the varsity football team for the playoffs.[3]
As a sophomore in 1994, Moreno helped Castle Park to a 12–2 record and a CIF San Diego Section Division II title with a 24–21 victory over Torrey Pines High School.[4][5] On defense, he earned first-team All-San Diego Section Division II honors at linebacker, and on offense, he rushed for 272 yards and a touchdown on 52 carries at running back.[4][6] His head coach, Gil Warren, described him as a "phenom".[7]
As a junior, Moreno suffered a knee injury in Castle Park's Metro Conference championship game victory.[8] The team was later defeated in the CIF San Diego Section Division II semifinals by Escondido High School.[9] Moreno was named the CIF San Diego Section Division II co-Defensive Player of the Year.[10]
As a senior, Moreno led Castle Park to a 13–0 record and a CIF San Diego Section Division II title, recording two interceptions and 21 rushing yards in their 37–10 championship game victory over Carlsbad High School.[11] The team was ranked the no. 1 team in the state in their division.[11] Moreno was named the CIF San Diego Section co-Defensive Player of the Year and was selected to play in the California-Texas Shrine All-Star Game.[12][13]
Moreno played college football for the University of Southern California's defense from 1998 to 2000. Known as "Zeke And Destroy" by many USC-faithful, Moreno was a force in the middle of the USC defense.
Moreno was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round (139th pick overall) of the 2001 NFL draft.[14] He played for the Chargers for four years (2001–2004). Moreno was released by the Chargers following the 2004 season and was hampered by injuries while trying to find a home with another team in 2005. He signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League in 2007. He was selected as a CFL All-Star in 2007 and 2008.
On September 9, 2008, Moreno was traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.[15]
On February 19, 2009, Moreno was traded to the Toronto Argonauts in exchange for defensive end Riall Johnson.[16]
On February 21, 2010, Moreno was released by the Argonauts.