The Poplar Bluff Saint

In case you didn’t know, there is a museum here in Poplar Bluff. It has tales of us, our family, and our history. I want to tell you some of those tales found within the museum walls.

Derland Moore was just a big farm boy who arm wrestled his dad and uncles. He played on the Poplar Bluff Mules 1966 undefeated football team but was only second string. He was going to work on the family farm after graduation until he met AAU Director Sam Giambelluca. Sam saw a star in Derland. He convinced Derland to compete in an upcoming AAU track meet. Derland won the AAU Region 8 shot put championship and caught the eye of the University of Oklahoma. Derland received a college track scholarship.

In his freshman year, Derland did a “walk on” tryout for the Sooner football team. He made the team and started every game for four years (1969-1972). He was selected as “ALL Big 8 Conference” in 1971 and 1972, and selected for the Associated Press All American Team in 1972. Derland played in the 1970 Bluebonnet Bowl and both 1971 and 1972 Sugar Bowls.

In 1973, Derland was drafted into the NFL by the New Orleans Saints. He played 14 years in the NFL. Derland led the NFL in sacks in 1980 and played in the Pro Bowl in 1983. He played the most games in Saints history (169) and was selected as one of the 50 best players in New Orleans history. One of his greatest moments was winning the NFL arm wrestling championship in 1984 and 1985. The city of New Orleans honored him by celebrating “Derland Moore Day” on Nov. 4, 1984. He spent his last year in the NFL with the New York Jets.

Derland never forgot his roots. He often returned to Poplar Bluff during his off seasons. Poplar Bluff High School named their football field after him, and selected him for the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. His Hall of Fame plaque as well as his jersey are on display in the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame. Numerous pieces of Saints memorabilia, news articles and photos are also on display. He signed a football for the museum and inscribed his NFL Arm Wrestling victory on it, his proudest moment! The exhibits are located in the Poplar Bluff Museum. The Museum is open every Sunday free of charge from 1pm to 4pm at 1010 Main Street, Poplar Bluff (formerly the Old Mark Twain School). Tell them Mike sent you!

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.