The Detroit Lions have made a bold move by re-signing versatile special teams ace C.J. Moore, who was suspended for violating the NFL’s gambling policy last season. The team announced the one-year deal on Wednesday, bringing back a player who has been a key contributor on special teams since joining the Lions in 2019.
Moore, 25, was handed a four-game suspension in December after it was discovered that he had placed bets on NFL games, a violation of league rules. Despite the setback, the Lions decided to bring back Moore, who has quickly established himself as one of the top special teams players in the league.
The decision to re-sign Moore was not without controversy, as some fans and analysts questioned the team’s willingness to give a second chance to a player who had run afoul of NFL rules. However, the Lions have stood by their decision, citing Moore’s talent and work ethic as reasons for bringing him back into the fold.
In his two seasons with the Lions, Moore has made a name for himself as a fearless and tenacious special teams player, regularly making big plays on kick and punt coverage. His speed, instincts, and physicality have made him a valuable asset for the team, and his return will only strengthen the Lions’ special teams unit.
“We believe in C.J.’s ability to contribute to our team and we are excited to have him back in the fold,” said Lions head coach Dan Campbell. “He has shown a great deal of remorse for his actions and we believe that he has learned from his mistake. We are confident that he will continue to be a valuable asset for our special teams unit.”
Moore, a former undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss, has worked tirelessly to carve out a niche for himself in the NFL. His determination and perseverance have endeared him to his teammates and coaches, who have lauded his work ethic and professionalism.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue my career with the Lions,” Moore said in a statement. “I made a mistake and I have learned from it. I am committed to helping this team win games and I will do whatever it takes to contribute in any way I can.”
With his suspension behind him, Moore is eager to put the incident behind him and focus on helping the Lions build on their promising 2021 season. The team finished with a 9-8 record and narrowly missed the playoffs, but with Moore back in the mix, they are hopeful that they can take the next step and contend for a postseason berth in 2022.
