Thank you Derland Moore, for letting us be part of your journey

“I thought about the things you dream of as a little kid. Right now, tonight, I actually lived a little kid’s dreams. They actually came true.”

Poplar Bluff High School graduate Derland Moore made that statement in 2010, after the football field at the Junior High was dedicated in his honor.

Moore played 14 seasons in the NFL because he did more than dream.

His reality came about by seizing opportunity when it appeared, choosing not to give up when his dream was harder than he imagined it would be, and working hard from beginning to end.

He turned an invitation to a track meet into a scholarship opportunity, and negotiated that track scholarship for what he really wanted, a chance to play football.

The road to becoming an All-American defensive lineman wasn’t easy, and Moore faced moments when he wanted to quit.

Over the years, Moore gave credit to his father and the late Sam Giambelluca for helping him stay on track.

With support like that and a work ethic learned on his Poplar Bluff family farm, Moore made his dreams come true.

Moore will be missed not only by his family, but by the hometown that celebrated his wins and losses alongside him.

We want to say one last thank-you to Moore, for letting us join you on that journey.