July 18, 1999

Moore, a man with a goal

By Dave Feltner
Sports Editor

Those who don't know him may think his approach is a bit brash. And maybe people think he's too big for his britches.

But those who are familiar with Damon Moore know that he simply has been a kid on a mission. Been on it for quite some time now.

And with all the direction of a speeding bullet behind him, Moore made a giant surge to the completion of that mission in late April when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.

And although it may sound brash, this Fostoria High School graduate and five-year Ohio State University veteran is truly humbled by his place in football lore. It's just that this is where Moore always knew he would be.

"This is just something I always knew would happen," said Moore in a telephone interview from his apartment in Columbus. "It's just been a dream of mine. I always used to tell my friends when I was little that someday I'd be playing in the NFL. I know that some people may think that's a little cocky, but it's not. It's just something I've always worked for.

"Don't get me wrong," he said. "I had a lot of help along the way, starting in Fostoria with my coaches and teammates. I've been real lucky to have good coaches and teammates from the beginning."

And from the beginning, Moore has pulled no punches when discussing his future. When he enrolled at Ohio State he essentially majored in football. Schooling was something to bide his time until he got to the NFL.

Some may question the ethics of that approach, but such is the nature of the beast. Just like the kid on academic scholarship, Moore had a goal and he achieved it.

Football is rooted deep in this 5-11, 200-pound strong safety. Ahead of him in the Moore household was brother Clayton, who also starred at Fostoria before a successful career at the University of Toledo.

While at Fostoria Damon won a state championship while helping the Redmen to a 37-2 record over his final three years.

In his non-redshirt years at Ohio State, the Buckeyes compiled a 43-7 mark, the most wins by a single class in OSU history.

Now, he's hit the big time.

"I don't know if this is a big change, though," said Damon's mother, Addie Moore. "I'm a regular sports mom. I've been through it with Clayton and Bryce is a junior now (at Fostoria), so it's not really a big change for me. I'm still Addie Moore. I've been here all my life so this isn't going to change me. And Damon is still Damon. He's just himself; he's a down-to-earth kid."

And according to Damon, that won't change when he signs his contract. As of mid-July the Eagles had yet to sign any of their draft picks. Moore says that's due to the fact that the team is trying to finance a new stadium in time for the 2003 season.

Eagles camp begins July 25. In the meantime, Moore has been working out in Columbus, usually by himself, sometimes with St. Louis Rams running back June Henley.

"I don't know when it's going to be," Moore said of signing a contract. "But I won't miss any training camp. I'm anxious for it to happen, though. I want to get it out of the way. I really want to get started."

Moore's been to two mini-camps which lasted only a handful days, so the main goal when camp begins will be to learn the ropes, and then prove he's worthy of playing time.

"First of all, I just want to make the team," Moore said. "At this point anyone can get cut. I just need to keep pushing myself like I always have been. I played at Ohio State so I figure if I can play with those guys I can play with anyone."

Moore just may be walking into the perfect situation in Philadelphia. The Eagles are in the rebuilding stages, and hired a new head coach, Andy Reid, in January.

Andy who, you may ask?

Reid comes to the Eagles from Green Bay where he was an offensive assistant under Mike Holmgren. So, much like Moore, he has come from a winning background.

"He's a great guy," Moore said. "He's well-rounded, and he's not flashy at all; he's a real players' type of coach. The Eagles have been down the last few years, but he wants to win now, and he's trying to instill that winning attitude in all of us.

"I want to be a part of helping this team turn around," he said. "I think I have a perfect chance to step in and contribute. If I don't, then I'm doing something wrong."

Competition at the strong safety spot is threefold. There's Moore, Tim Hawk, a nine-year veteran who was with Indianapolis last year and T. J. Cunningham, who came over from Seattle.

"This is really a good spot for me," Moore said. "Everybody's getting a fresh look with this new coach, and I want to get right in there and help this team. I've played with some pretty good defensive backs so I'm pretty confident. Shawn (Springs) is doing well in the NFL, Rob Kelly is starting now, and maybe Gary Berry will be coming up someday. I've had a lot of help along the way, and I've been surrounded by some pretty good players so I feel like I'm ready."

Now it's time to complete that mission.