Hart High graduate Matt Moore wrapped up a whirlwind week Saturday when he threw for four touchdowns and played one of the best games of his career in the Miami Dolphins’ 34-13 road win over the New York Jets on Saturday.
Moore’s wife Tara gave birth to the couple’s third child Dec. 12. Then Moore, 32, started his first game in five years on Saturday and threw for a career-high in touchdowns as he completed 12 of 18 passes for 236 yards.
Now in his ninth season, it was Moore’s first start since Jan. 1 2012, a game which also came against the Jets.
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Moore’s younger brother, Nick, who played quarterback for Hart this season, said he was impressed by the performance and excited for his older brother.
“I thought it was amazing,” Nick Moore said. “I don’t think you can handle it any better.”
“He looked like he was doing what he does best, and that’s what I try to model my game after.”
Matt Moore’s surprising start came six days after he led the Dolphins on a game-winning drive against the Arizona Cardinals in the final minutes after quarterback Ryan Tannehill injured his left knee. Tannehill was diagnosed with ACL and MCL sprains in his left knee, which may force him to miss the rest of the season, according to the Miami Herald.
During 43 career games with the Dolphins and Carolina Panthers, Moore has thrown for 5,639 yards, 37 touchdowns and completed 59.1 percent of his passes.
“There were some nerves,” Matt Moore said Saturday, according to the Miami Herald. “Maybe it showed a little early, but once we got going that wore off.”
Nick Moore admitted he hasn’t seen many of his brother’s NFL games in person. In all, he said he’s been to four of Matt’s NFL games over the past nine years. His family saw his brother’s first start for the Panthers in 2009. He also saw his brother last season when the Dolphins played in San Diego and this season when they played at the Coliseum against the Rams.
Though Matt Moore is 14 years older than him, Nick Moore said the two have a good relationship. His older brother gives him advice about his game and things he can improve on.
“Not everybody has an NFL player as a brother,” Nick Moore said. “I have a special mentor to help me.”
