ALLEN PARK — C.J. Moore isn’t just getting a second chance in the league, which is more than enough to be thankful for after serving a year-long gambling suspension after betting on NFL games. Luckily, the Detroit Lions and Moore know each other well, and it didn’t take long for them to get back together after a forced year of separation.
That means Moore is getting a second chance with the team he’s enjoyed the most success with, not to mention the one that released him in the immediate aftermath of his gambling suspension. This reunion was never a sure thing due to the nature of betting on NFL games as an NFL player, something the league is cracking down on and trying to educate as many as possible on the league’s policies.
“It’s like a dream (to be back), man,” Moore said after Thursday’s OTA session. “Honestly, I had dreams about this. And I’m so thankful for one, God. Just thankful to be here. I’m thankful for Mrs. Sheila and Brad and coach Dan and Rod, so thankful for those guys. Just excited. Got No. 38 back. Man, so it’s super exciting, and just ready to compete and have fun.”
It’s been a challenging year off the field, but Moore stayed busy by getting married and welcoming his second child to the world. He said he focused on his family and becoming a a better man, while sticking to the grind of training to get back to the league whenever possible.
And unlike others who have been caught in the gambling crossfire, Moore was open and honest about his situation, saying he knew the rules and just made an immature and careless mistake. He did his best to take ownership of his missteps while looking toward the future.
“I just failed to hold myself accountable. I shouldn’t have been gambling in the first place or anything like that. I failed in that area,” Moore said. “I knew the rules. Just like I said, being immature, just gambling, losing control of being aware of exactly what I was doing. Just (a) careless mistake.
“I did (wonder if there would be another chance). There was times where, I mean, it was tough. There was a lot of uncertainty. But all I could do was just try to put my best foot forward. Be a good pro. And just try to prepare to come back. And I’m just so thankful to be back.”
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The veteran defender said gambling doesn’t play any role in his life now, and that when he hears anyone talking about it, he walks away. Moore wouldn’t elaborate on the nature or how many bets were placed leading to his suspension. But he said he knows every aspect of the league’s policy now, and that if he can help younger players and rookies steer clear of gambling, then that’s something Moore would be proud to help educate through experience.
“Don’t even gamble at all,” Moore said. “That’s my word to them.”
Moore appeared in 56 games over his first four seasons with the Lions. He developed into a special teams stud and fake-play weapon during that time. The 28-year-old by way of Mississippi has 48 tackles, one interception and four rush attempts for 86 yards during that span, with three of those fake plays resulting in first downs.
He’s a proven weapon on special teams, whether chasing down and wrangling returners or adding another dangerous element to the mix. The Lions have not been shy about their views on how important special teams are and how much they love the new kickoff rules. So, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the Lions didn’t wait long to approach Moore about a reunion.
“It was pretty quick. And I was thankful,” Moore said. “Super thankful for that. Super thankful.
“We weren’t allowed to speak. Once the door opened, my agent just told me that they had reached out. I mean, that was just blessings. I can’t even explain it. I’m just so, so thankful for them. I thank God.”
Moore is hoping to look past the issue moving forward. The new kickoff rules have breathed life into the game and his potential role, and that’s something that excites him now that he’s back on the field and a part of the roster. Also, the new twist is that the Lions are one of the NFC’s favorites entering this season. And that’s another new world for Moore upon his return after being part of some tough playoff-free seasons from 2019 to 2022 around these parts.
“It was kind of bittersweet,” Moore said of watching last year’s division championship and run to the NFC title game. “I had been with this team when we didn’t win a lot of games, so being in that building and watching those guys win, felt great and it just, feeling like I should have been there. That was the tough part. But I was super excited for the team. Super excited for these guys making plays. I would say a little bittersweet, but a lot more sweet.
“I think it (the new rules) means a lot for a guy like myself, a special team guy in this league. It allows us to make more plays, so we have more value. The more plays we can make, the more we can help the team. The more games we win.”