For a few days, it looked like Hart High graduate Matt Moore was going to be the Miami Dolphins’ starting quarterback.
After being a reliable backup for the Fins since 2011, Moore was ready to take over the role of a starter after a season-ending injury to Ryan Tannehill.
“This is part of my role,” Moore told the Palm Beach Post last week. “I’ve done this before, in stepping up and being ready, if need be. That’s what I know. And that’s kind of the attitude I have moving forward.”
But instead of sticking with Moore, who filled in admirably for Tannehill last season to get Miami a postseason berth, the Dolphins went with Jay Cutler.
They gave the former Chicago Bears quarterback a one-year, $10 million dollar contract with up to $3 million in incentives.
After a five-game, injury-riddled season last year, Cutler retired and assumed an analyst position with Fox Sports before coming back to play for Miami.
“You know what man? It’s a team sport,” Moore told the Miami Herald on Monday when he was asked if he was disappointed. “You guys know this — I’ve been with this organization for a long time and have been a team guy. Like I said, training camp, my focus is getting better and working with the guys that are here.”
A diplomatic answer from a guy who has seen scenarios like this before.
His junior year at Hart in 2000, Moore wasn’t the quarterback, but rather a defensive back and quarterback-in-waiting behind Kyle Matter.
The next year, in 2001, he was the starting signal-caller and led the Indians to a 13-0 record and CIF title, throwing for 3,334 yards and 33 touchdowns.
He earned a scholarship to UCLA, where he originally redshirted as a freshman before being thrust into the starting position after midseason injuries to two quarterbacks.
That role wasn’t cemented, however. Moore suffered an injury of his own early in the following season and eventually lost the position to Drew Olson. Moore then transferred to Oregon State where he received considerably more playing time.
In 10 NFL seasons, Moore has thrown for 6,077 yards, 41 touchdowns and 31 interceptions.
