Arthur Moats, whose tough work ethic, infectious smile and commitment to the community won the hearts of many Bills fans during his time in Buffalo, has tackled what has perhaps been his biggest challenge yet - earning a master's degree.
Moats, 29, will accept his master of arts degree at SUNY Empire State College's commencement ceremony Saturday morning at Buffalo State College.
Moats, who is currently a linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, began work on his master's while on the Bills roster.
The Bills drafted Moats in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL draft. He played four seasons in Buffalo before joining the Steelers for the 2014 season.
At the end of his final season with the Bills, the team named him its Walter Payton Man of the Year for his work with several local charities, including the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County.
He also earned the catch phrase "Don't cross the Moats," which he later had tattooed on his back.
A native of Virginia, Moats earned his undergraduate degree at James Madison University.
