The last live football game Rod Moore played in was the College Football Playoff National Championship on Jan. 8, 2024. As of this writing, that game was 591 days ago — that’s a long layoff for anybody that has been playing football as long as Moore has.
Instead of declaring for the NFL Draft after winning it all that year, Moore decided to return to Ann Arbor for his senior season. Unfortunately, everything came to a screeching halt last spring when he tore his ACL in practice. He missed the entire
2024 season, and actually needed a second surgery — this one on his meniscus — that he is still working back from.
Now entering his fifth and final year of college football, the now-two-time captain is gearing up for his return. It’s unclear when exactly that will be, but Moore will “for sure” play at some point this fall. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, he said he is cleared for football activities, but it sounds like he is feeling better some days than others.
“I’ve been cleared and everything, but it’s just a matter of how I feel and when I feel ready to go back on the field,” Moore said. “Dealing with having to go get another surgery, I kinda questioned (how long it’s going to take). But you gotta stay positive in those moments in that aspect.”
It took a while, but Moore finally began to “see the light” when he was able to run without pain again. That happened back in May, when he posted a photo on social media of him running on solid ground for the first time since his injury, 14 months later.
But even that is still significantly different from being on the football field and running at full speed to make a tackle or attempt to break up a pass. Moore admitted going through what he’s been through has been “real tough” and “took a toll” on him. But despite the hardships, Moore also learned a lot off the field.
“Teaching the guys football, seeing football from a different aspect instead of just playing,” Moore said. “You never know when your last snap could be or when you can’t play again, especially the way I got hurt slowing down. I never knew that was coming, so you gotta be real grateful for playing the game, especially if you really love it.”
When he gets in his first game, there will likely be an adjustment period for Moore. He will be ready physically once he’s out there, but it’s the mental side of things he is also preparing for.
“It’s not really any strength thing or speed or nothing like that, it’s just trusting my leg,” Moore said. “Knowing if they throw a deep ball, I don’t have to second guess on if I gotta jump or if I gotta turn a different direction. Just 100 percent — I know I can go out there and be the best player, because I don’t want to play any bad tape out there, have any setback or anything of any nature.”
When healthy, Moore is among the top safeties in all of college football. He made an instant impact as a true freshman in 2021, led the team in interceptions with four as a sophomore, and helped Michigan beat Ohio State in 2023 with his iconic game-sealing interception.
The chance for Moore to get back on the field is about more than just being healthy again: it’s about finishing what was cut short last year. His last snaps came under the brightest lights, and now he’s determined to write a new chapter — back in his old No. 19 jersey, by the way. Fans will be watching closely this season to see if his comeback can be as memorable as his final game before the injury.
