South Charlotte Today

David Moore, a veteran NFL receiver, is currently focusing on mentoring young wideouts Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and Jonathan Mingo. Moore draws parallels between protecting his herd of cattle from coyotes on his Texas ranch and guiding these young players through the challenges of professional football.

Reflecting on a call he received from Dave Canales while watching for coyotes at his ranch, Moore shared, "I was out watching for coyotes at the ranch...and Dave called." He explained that protecting his livestock involves vigilance against various threats like coyotes and hogs. Similarly, in the NFL, he aims to shield young receivers from potential pitfalls.

Moore credits former teammates such as Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett for helping him when he entered the league as a seventh-round rookie in 2017. "They talked a lot about taking care of your body," Moore said. Now he seeks to pass this wisdom to rookies like Legette, who is experiencing the demands of an NFL season.

Xavier Legette appreciates Moore's influence: "He gives us that spark in the receivers room." With recent team changes due to trades and injuries, including Andy Dalton's car accident and Adam Thielen's recovery from injury, Moore has become crucial in maintaining stability within the team.

Dave Canales acknowledges Moore's impact: "It's huge for those guys...body readiness, mental readiness." Despite being cut by several teams since 2021 and facing an MCL injury that sidelined him for most of 2022, Moore persevered with faith and determination. His resilience paid off when Canales offered him another opportunity with Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023.

Moore didn't make the initial roster but contributed significantly later in the season with key plays. His career statistics include 92 catches over seven seasons with an average of 14.6 yards per catch. Beyond performance stats, his mentorship role remains invaluable as he continues to guide younger players.

"I just come in and try to be just one of the guys," said Moore about his approach to teamwork. His commitment extends beyond football fields; it mirrors his dedication to safeguarding both cattle and colleagues alike.