CEDAR FALLS — Briley Moore has played his last down as a member of the Northern Iowa football team.

Despite being granted a medical redshirt, Moore announced on Twitter that he plans to enter the transfer portal.

“Dear Panther Nation, thank you for everything,” Moore wrote on his personal page. “Thank you to Coach Farley for taking a chance on me (four) years ago, to every member of the coaching staff during my time here, the administration, professors, fans, teammates and all of the UNI community.

“I am so grateful for the relationships I’ve built over the past (four) years. UNI has given me the opportunity to succeed not only on the field but also allowed me to graduate with my bachelor’s degree, meet my fiance, become a father and grow as a follower of Christ.

“For this, UNI will forever hold a special place in my heart. With that being said, I will be entering the transfer portal as a graduate transfer. I feel it is the best decision for me, my family and the opportunity to pursue the dreams that I set for myself when I was a little kid.”

During the 2018 season, Moore earned first team all-Missouri Valley Conference honors and was named the best tight end in the league by several outlets. He finished with a team-high 536 yards on 36 receptions with four touchdowns.

This past year, Moore played in just one game before being injured, catching four passes for 26 yards for the Panthers. He was named to the preseason all-MVC team prior to the start of the season.

He came to UNI after a standout career with Blue Springs South High School in Missouri, leading his team to a state championship as a senior while earning all-state honors. He was also a standout on the basketball team.

Moore concluded by writing “Panther nation, thank you for all the memories that I will cherish forever.”

Northern Iowa finished 10-5 last year overall and 6-2 in the conference, reaching the quarterfinal round of the playoffs. They return quarterback Will McElvain, Tyler Hoosman and Isaiah Weston to the offense.

The Panthers are scheduled to open the 2020 season on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Iowa.