Rashad Moore
Class of 2022
Rashad Moore’s football journey, from his early days in Huntsville to playing on the NFL’s biggest stage, is a testament to perseverance and faith. A graduate of Johnson High School and the University of Tennessee, Moore enjoyed a standout career that culminated in an appearance in Super Bowl XLII with the New England Patriots.
Football wasn’t Moore’s first love growing up. Nicknamed “Boo-Boo,” he initially cried during his first youth league practices. But with the encouragement of coaches like Teddy Bear Lewis and Donald Hodge, he began to embrace the game. Despite developing his skills on the gridiron, basketball remained his passion, and he dreamed of following in the footsteps of NBA legend Charles Barkley. A summer camp coach, Tennessee’s Kevin O’Neill, humorously told Moore, “Son, if you get to where you can jump like Charles Barkley, you’ll play basketball at Tennessee and go to the NBA.”
Although the leaping ability didn’t materialize, Moore’s natural talent on the football field couldn’t be ignored. College recruiters took notice, including Tennessee’s head coach Phillip Fulmer. Despite lackluster recruiting efforts from Alabama and Auburn, Moore found a home with the Volunteers, where he carved out an impressive SEC career. Injuries presented challenges, but his grit and skill ensured his success.
In 2003, Moore was selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He played two seasons with the team before missing the 2005 season due to injury. He returned to the league with the New York Jets in 2006, where a strong playoff performance against the Patriots caught the attention of New England’s legendary coach, Bill Belichick.
Although waived during the Patriots’ 2007 training camp, Belichick advised Moore to stay ready. Moore leaned on his faith during this uncertain time, recalling a dream where he was told he would play in the Super Bowl. That vision became reality when the Patriots called mid-season. True to his dream, Moore suited up for Super Bowl XLII.
Though his NFL career spanned just four seasons, Moore’s journey stands out as a tale of resilience, talent, and belief. From his Huntsville roots to competing on football’s grandest stage, Rashad Moore remains an inspiring figure for aspiring athletes in his community.
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