From inner-city Memphis,TN to the SEC to the NFL, Vince Moore learned how to use adversity as his fuel for success. Moore was one of three siblings to go from inner-city Memphis to the NFL, along with brothers Jeff Moore (Rams) and Steve Moore (Patriots). He used childhood circumstances that would have set many athletes back, to hone a skill set and cultivate the competitive drive all young athletes need to be great. Moore represents the best of what Memphis athletics and education has to offer! He made his name as a standout quarterback at Hillcrest High School, then he went on to play wide receiver at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He was then drafted by the New England Patriots and went on to take the business world by storm. Not one to rest in his success, he has set his sights on the world of arts and entertainment. We sat down with him as he shared his journey with our readers. Read on!
It becomes evident immediately upon meeting Moore that he is a man of many talents and much wisdom. His deep baritone voice has the cadence of Barry White and his speech is that of a seasoned news caster.
TAN: Tell us about your hometown. What in your experiences from home helped to shape you.
VM: Memphis is my hometown. Memphis, and more specifically inner-city Memphis, made me a competitor. The level of talent and competition in the early 80’s when I started was intense. I ended up being the starting quarterback for my high school in the 9th grade, at age 15, which was crazy. I had come from this amazing football program, Havenview Junior High – one of the best in the city. The school always produced big-time players. I made the team in the seventh grade, but the coach didn’t believe in me. I was unproven. I didn’t play that much, and eventually they cancelled the program during my 8th-grade year. I moved to a Pop Warner-like league for kids up to ages 13 and 14 years-old and was MVP that year.
The next year, my Mom and I were searching for a school that would enable me to play in the 9th grade. Most of the high schools started in the 10th grade at that time. We ultimately ended up at Hillcrest, and thankfully, I had a great career there.
To sum it up, the neighborhood rivalries heightened the sense of competition, which in turn, elevated my game. If you were facing local legends from different parts of town, you wanted the bragging rights for your team and neighborhood.
TAN: When making your college choice, how did you feel you approached the process? Were you prepared, or did you feel overwhelmed?
VM: I was prepared because I came from a football family. My older brothers had gone through the process. My brothers had exposed to me to a lot of thing early on. They both played collegiately and professionally. Having that exposure as a youngster really helped. I grew up around the guys and the programs, so I had a jump start. I visited schools I was interested in. Luckily, I had a general idea of what was going on, and my coach had a very regimented program. He had played professionally, so we were prepared. From a conditioning stand point, I was more than prepared.
TAN: You had older siblings to take you through the paces, but emotionally did you think you were prepared for the transition you would experience? Is there something you would have liked to have known at the various transition periods, for example, high school to college, college to professional, professional to retirement?
VM: Nothing can really prepare you. But, there are a few things I would like to have known, including how to be more vocal about wanting to change positions. Ultimately, I wanted to become a receiver. I was a fast kid and had great hands, but I wanted to be able to do more. I would have insisted on a chance to prove I could be a great receiver, but instead, I started off at quarterback at the University of Tennessee. I lost a little time, and although I had been recruited as a quarterback at 5’10, being a quarterback in the NFL was going to be tough. Not impossible, but difficult. I won a state championship as quarterback, and we were the first city school to do so in 1985. I had gotten my mileage and was ready for a new challenge. Everything worked out great, but I would have been more assertive.
TAN: What would you tell your 18-year-old self just beginning this journey?
VM: Wow! So many things. First, and this may sound very basic, to stretch. I had issues with pulled and torn muscles. I stretched and was flexible, but I would have paid more attention to that. Learn to be media savvy. I didn’t have issues or PR problems, but I would have utilized my platforms more and spent more time building my brand. And finally enjoy the journey, it went by so fast. At the time it didn’t feel that way, but it sped by. And when it’s over, it’s over.
TAN: You have been very successful post sports. What advice would you give someone facing the end of their career looking to the next phase?
VM: A quote that I heard Herm Edward say, “One wife, one house, one car.” If you do that, you will save yourself a lot of money. Because you can only enjoy one at a time. It’s not what you earn, it’s what you keep. So, even if you invest super conservatively, even if you just put it all in the bank, it’s better than getting caught in some hair-brained real estate scheme.
TAN: You guys and girls are special. You get lots of attention early and often. Micro-celebrity status in high school and many go on to be household names. How would you advise a player on how to transition from all that attention to life after the fame? How do they live without the high of being extraordinary?
VM: Yeah, it feels good when you are in the bubble. It’s an extreme high. You live a heightened existence. My advice would be, always keep a piece of grounding with you. Always remember where you came from and be present with those who bring you back to center. Keep in mind that is just a sport. I’ve been fortunate to play a kid’s game for a King’s ransom. People lose sight of that and therein lies the danger. It is a special experience, but perspective is key. Teachers are truly special. Soldiers are special. Fireman, nurses, care givers are special. Maturity and age help you appreciate that more and more. People who have chosen to serve the greater good are special. They don’t get the attention they deserve.
TAN: What do you think we can do to make younger athletes become more media savvy?
VM: We need to educate them on the importance of being media-ready earlier rather than later. Learn to be proactive versus reactive. Basketball players especially need this skill because they can go to the professional level sooner. Parents need to dig in and get involved in their personal lives.
TAN: Tell us about life after football. You’re newly back from Los Angeles. What made you move back home?
VM: I had a great career as an investment trainer, became a Vice President. My career trajectory was headed skyward. Then the market crashed, as well as the subsequent mergers and acquisitions, I identified Memphis with those negative changes. I wanted to pursue my artistic pursuits and what better place than Los Angeles? I needed a mental break, some new scenery and Southern California is where I relocated. I had an opportunity to discover a new passion – movie production.
TAN: Tell about your next professional chapter. What are you planning in film?
VM: I have optioned a few projects dear to my heart, and I am taking on the role of producer. I would love to start working towards bringing more opportunities for screenwriters to Memphis. I continue to do my voiceover projects, and I am excited about the future.
Vince Moore has proven he can achieve whatever he puts his mind to through hard work and the competitive spirit he gained from his time as a football standout in Memphis, and we are sure his new adventure will yield the same results!
-By LaToya Baker of The Athlete’s NeXus