Matt Moore's journey in professional football began when he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2007. Initially signed by the Dallas Cowboys, Moore's time with the team was short-lived, as he was waived before the start of the regular season. However, his potential was quickly recognized by the Carolina Panthers, who claimed him off waivers.
During his tenure with the Panthers, Moore served primarily as a backup quarterback. He got his first significant opportunity to start in the latter part of the 2007 season due to injuries to the starting quarterbacks. Moore's performance was promising, as he led the team to victories in two of the three games he started. This stint showcased his ability to manage games effectively and provided a glimpse of his potential as a starting quarterback.
The following seasons saw Moore continue in a backup role, but he was thrust into the starting position again in 2009. That year, he started the final five games of the season, leading the Panthers to a 4-1 record during that stretch. His performance was strong enough to earn him the starting job at the beginning of the 2010 season. Unfortunately, his time as the starter was marred by injuries and inconsistent play, leading to a mid-season benching.
In 2011, Moore signed with the Miami Dolphins, where he initially served as a backup. However, he was called upon to start after an injury to the team's starting quarterback. Moore's performance was solid, and he finished the season with a 6-6 record as a starter. His efforts earned him the team's Don Shula Leadership Award, highlighting his role in stabilizing the team's offense during a challenging season.
Moore continued with the Dolphins for several more seasons, primarily in a backup capacity. He was known for his readiness to step in when needed and provided veteran leadership in the quarterback room. In 2016, Moore was again called upon to start late in the season and helped lead the Dolphins to their first playoff appearance since 2008. He started the playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking his first career playoff start.
After his stint with the Dolphins, Moore briefly stepped away from football but returned to the NFL in 2019, signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. He joined the team as a backup quarterback and was thrust into action when the Chiefs' starting quarterback was injured mid-season. Moore started two games, helping the team secure a victory in one of those contests. His presence provided stability and experience, contributing to the team's overall success that season.
Throughout his career, Matt Moore was known for his ability to step in and perform under pressure.
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