My Uncle Jeffery D. Moore: Carrying the Legacy of Jackson State into the NFL
When I think about greatness, I don’t have to look to distant legends or faceless names in history books. I look to my own family. My uncle, Jeffery D. Moore, grew up in Kosciusko, Mississippi, and turned natural talent, relentless work ethic, and a strong sense of purpose into a story that inspires me every day.
From Kosciusko to Jackson State
As a high school star, Jeff was the kind of athlete every major program wanted. He was one of Mississippi’s top recruits, but he chose Jackson State University, following in the footsteps of another Tiger great: Walter Payton.
At Jackson State, Jeff had to wait patiently for his turn in a crowded backfield. But when the opportunity finally came in 1978, he turned it into a breakout season. He rushed for 1,094 yards, led the Tigers to a 10-2 record, and helped secure a spot in the NCAA Division I-AA Playoffs.
His achievements didn’t go unnoticed. He was named:
- First-Team All-SWAC
- Black College Football Player of the Year (1978)
That year, he wasn’t just carrying the ball—he was carrying the pride of his school, his teammates, and our family.
Drafted to the NFL
The Seattle Seahawks drafted Jeff in the 12th round of the 1979 NFL Draft. Draft position didn’t matter—his drive did. Over the next six years, he built a career with three teams:
- Seattle Seahawks (1979–1981)
- San Francisco 49ers (1982–1983)
- Washington Redskins (1984)
His best season came in San Francisco, where he gained 281 rushing yards, 405 receiving yards, and scored eight total touchdowns. Playing alongside Joe Montana, Jeff experienced firsthand what it meant to compete at the highest level: “Playing alongside Joe Montana was really cool. He was one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game,” he reflected.
By the end of his NFL journey, Jeff recorded:
- 722 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns
- 115 receptions, 1,103 receiving yards, 6 receiving touchdowns
Mentorship from “Sweetness”
What makes his story even more meaningful is the connection to Walter Payton. Even after Walter left for the NFL, he would return to Jackson State and train with Jeff. “Walter would come back to Jackson and work out with me. He taught me about work ethic,” Jeff once said. “That gave me a chance to go as far as I did.”
That lesson—about hard work, discipline, and never giving less than your best—defined both his football career and his life after the game.
Life Beyond Football
After retiring from the NFL in 1984, Jeff returned home to Mississippi. He worked with the Mississippi State Department of Education, dedicating his post-football career to service and leadership.
His alma mater later recognized him with two great honors:
- Induction into the Jackson State University Hall of Fame (2005)
- Selection to the JSU All-Century Team (2011)
Among the Great Jackson State Running Backs
Jackson State has produced a long line of NFL running backs—Walter and Eddie Payton, Wilbert Montgomery, Lewis Tillman, Ricky Young, Perry Harrington, and Rod Phillips. Jeffery D. Moore belongs in that lineage.
While he may not have earned a gold jacket in Canton, he earned something just as important: respect, recognition, and a place in the proud tradition of HBCU football.
Why I’m Proud
To me, this isn’t just football history—it’s family history. My uncle Jeff showed what happens when talent meets discipline, and when faith meets perseverance. He didn’t just play football; he lived it, and he carried our family’s name with pride from Kosciusko to the NFL.
Today, every time I see a player fight for that extra yard, I’m reminded of him. And I’m proud—proud to say that Jeffery D. Moore is my uncle, and his legacy will always be part of the game.
