New York Jets guard Brandon Moore has had a long road – coming out of college as an undrafted free agent, where he played defensive tackle for the Fighting Illini and graduated in 2002. He worked his way onto the Jets through their practice squad, and became a starting offensive guard. He became a full time starter in 2005, and has started every game for the Jets for the past 7 seasons, finally being selected to his first Pro Bowl this season.
With 9 seasons under his belt, Moore has had extensive experience and this year he served as a player representative to the NFLPA for the Jets’ players, helping to guide his teammates and the players through the lockout. Moore talks about what he’s learned along the way, and what it takes to be successful as an NFL player.
PPI: What does it mean to you to make the Pro Bowl?
BM: It means a lot. I’ve spent my whole career and came up through the ranks. I always felt like I was a Pro Bowl type player but to finally get that recognition feels really good; to be out here with all these guys you watch on Sundays or highlights of all these other all-stars. So this is one thing on my NFL Bucket list.
PPI: How have your skills as a football player helped you in leading your team as a Player Rep?
BM: I just think I understand and [that I cover all the bases]. I mean being an undrafted guy, being the guy who has been on the practice squad, being the guy that has worked his way up to starter– I understand different angles that all types of guys are coming from– whether it be the guy who was undrafted and trying to figure out what benefits he gets [or the guy with] the highest draft pick. So I think just covering all the bases that I’ve been a part of has really helped me understand all the different angles that come with being an NFL player
PPI: What have you learned most this year? Going through a lockout during regular season and now you’ve been voted by your peers, the coaches, and the writers as a Pro Bowl player
BM: I think it’s just being able to adapt. I think that’s one of the strengths of a football player. You always hear from your coaches “be able to adapt”. That was the biggest thing. The lockout and not being able to work out coming off [of my] hip surgery; being able to rehab and do all those things that it took to do on your own while nobody’s watching. To be able to do that and have the year I had coming off those surgeries feels pretty good. But I think a lot of these guys, even the ones that aren’t here or the guys who are playing next weekend in the Super Bowl—those guys were able to adapt well and I think that’s a strength that NFL players have.
PPI: Last question. What is your favorite workout song right now?
BM: [chuckles] Workout song? I haven’t worked out in a while—took a couple weeks off. I have a playlist of everything from Lil’ Wayne, Watch the Throne, the new Jay-Z album I mean I play it all so I’m all over the place with that.
Scottie Graham and Sarah Miller contributed to this report.
