University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Matthew A. Smith
Get To Know: TJ Moore
Nov 19, 2020 | Football
Redshirt sophomore wide receiver graduates in three years, looks for a career as a college coach.
TJ Moore wants to pursue a coaching career after he graduates from Memphis this academic year. He will have his sport and leisure management degree after only three years wearing the Blue and Gray.
"I decided to put my head down and knock it out," said Moore. "I didn't want to let my parents down."
In addition to being wise beyond his years, the speedy UofM wide receiver has the other necessary qualities for the coaching profession. He has a deep knowledge of the game. He has the ability to reach out to others and develop those relationships. He has the mettle to push through the tough times.
Oh, and he has proven that he is a "cool customer" in high-pressure situations. Besides being a member of UofM squads that have played some nail-biters the last three years, Moore played a major role in one of the highest-scoring outcomes in national high school football history. He was a member of the Olive Branch receiving corps that caught seven touchdowns in the historic 87-86 three-overtime victory over DeSoto Central in 2015.
"It was one of those games where we came in against our biggest rival and we didn't have any intentions of losing," Moore explained. "At halftime, we were up pretty big and I'm thinking the second string is coming in (for the second half). Then, all of a sudden, we made mistakes and it's a ball game, going back-and-forth. I know we scored 87 points, but the defense made the final play for us.
"You build confidence (playing games like that). The best learning experience is going through it. Once you go through moments like that, I won't say it gets easier but you become more and more prepared for those situations. Going through that game, I know when we play a close game that we're never out of it. There's always a chance."
Being prepared – especially for the next step in life – is what Moore has worked on during his time in the UofM program. With his desire to be a coach, he's not only worked in the practices, gone through the drills and studied the film; Moore has watched, observed and taken notes on what it takes to be a coach.
"I see the way Coach (John) Simon comes in and works every day. He really gave me inspiration in wanting to be a coach," said Moore. "I never had any thought about being a coach. I thought about going into business. Then I saw Coach Simon, the way he comes in and treats kids. I want to be able to give kids better opportunities. I played the game, and I want to help them achieve their goals."
Moore knows a lot about achieving goals. He's done it on the field and in the classroom. Moore is a two-time Dean's List student at the UofM, and he earned American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team honors for the 2019-20 year. Moore sees setting the tone of hard work in one area of life spreading to other parts.
"I believe everything you do in life translates," Moore said. "If I'm lacking in school, I'm going to be lacking as a person, as a human being, I'm going to be lacking on the field. Whatever I'm doing, I'm going to be all in. I'm going to be all in for school, on the field, in life."
Let's learn more about Moore:
I started playing football … At six years old at the Olive Branch Park League. I played wing/tight end. I got a lot of reverses to run outside and score touchdowns. That's what I did.
When I'm not at practice, I'm … Playing golf. I'm a big golfer. If you ever want to golf, just hit me up. I'm a big Tiger Woods guy. After my family moved, I lived close to a golf course and I was right there. I got my first set of clubs my senior year of high school and just fell in love with it.
#1 thing on my bucket list is … Travel to Italy.
A hashtag the best describes me is … #FeedMeMoore.
If I had a super power, it would be … To have speed like The Flash.
My Favorite Things
Mom meal cooks … Steak and baked potato 🥔
TV show as a child … Tom & Jerry
Toy as a child … Football 🏈
Sport team(s) … Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Yankees
Athlete … Steph Curry
Candy … Kit Kat 🍫
Midnight snack … Fried bologna sandwich
Holiday … Christmas 🎄
Vacation spot … Any Florida beach 🏖️
"I decided to put my head down and knock it out," said Moore. "I didn't want to let my parents down."
In addition to being wise beyond his years, the speedy UofM wide receiver has the other necessary qualities for the coaching profession. He has a deep knowledge of the game. He has the ability to reach out to others and develop those relationships. He has the mettle to push through the tough times.
Oh, and he has proven that he is a "cool customer" in high-pressure situations. Besides being a member of UofM squads that have played some nail-biters the last three years, Moore played a major role in one of the highest-scoring outcomes in national high school football history. He was a member of the Olive Branch receiving corps that caught seven touchdowns in the historic 87-86 three-overtime victory over DeSoto Central in 2015.
"It was one of those games where we came in against our biggest rival and we didn't have any intentions of losing," Moore explained. "At halftime, we were up pretty big and I'm thinking the second string is coming in (for the second half). Then, all of a sudden, we made mistakes and it's a ball game, going back-and-forth. I know we scored 87 points, but the defense made the final play for us.
"You build confidence (playing games like that). The best learning experience is going through it. Once you go through moments like that, I won't say it gets easier but you become more and more prepared for those situations. Going through that game, I know when we play a close game that we're never out of it. There's always a chance."
Being prepared – especially for the next step in life – is what Moore has worked on during his time in the UofM program. With his desire to be a coach, he's not only worked in the practices, gone through the drills and studied the film; Moore has watched, observed and taken notes on what it takes to be a coach.
"I see the way Coach (John) Simon comes in and works every day. He really gave me inspiration in wanting to be a coach," said Moore. "I never had any thought about being a coach. I thought about going into business. Then I saw Coach Simon, the way he comes in and treats kids. I want to be able to give kids better opportunities. I played the game, and I want to help them achieve their goals."
Moore knows a lot about achieving goals. He's done it on the field and in the classroom. Moore is a two-time Dean's List student at the UofM, and he earned American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team honors for the 2019-20 year. Moore sees setting the tone of hard work in one area of life spreading to other parts.
"I believe everything you do in life translates," Moore said. "If I'm lacking in school, I'm going to be lacking as a person, as a human being, I'm going to be lacking on the field. Whatever I'm doing, I'm going to be all in. I'm going to be all in for school, on the field, in life."
Let's learn more about Moore:
I started playing football … At six years old at the Olive Branch Park League. I played wing/tight end. I got a lot of reverses to run outside and score touchdowns. That's what I did.
When I'm not at practice, I'm … Playing golf. I'm a big golfer. If you ever want to golf, just hit me up. I'm a big Tiger Woods guy. After my family moved, I lived close to a golf course and I was right there. I got my first set of clubs my senior year of high school and just fell in love with it.
#1 thing on my bucket list is … Travel to Italy.
A hashtag the best describes me is … #FeedMeMoore.
If I had a super power, it would be … To have speed like The Flash.
My Favorite Things
Mom meal cooks … Steak and baked potato 🥔
TV show as a child … Tom & Jerry
Toy as a child … Football 🏈
Sport team(s) … Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Yankees
Athlete … Steph Curry
Candy … Kit Kat 🍫
Midnight snack … Fried bologna sandwich
Holiday … Christmas 🎄
Vacation spot … Any Florida beach 🏖️
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