More on Moore: The Decision
I was able to spend some time on the phone Rahim Moore today about his decision to enter the NFL Draft.
Gold: Just talk about the decision in general, when you started thinking more about it...
Moore: "There were times where I thought about it throughout the season, but I never wanted to focus on it a lot. I wanted to focus on the season. When people would mention he can go to the NFL, it was, 'Wow, I can?' As I was getting dressed for USC, I just started crying. My tears were a little different. I realized this might be the last time I ever where these pants. I thought I don't want to end it right now.' But I prayed on it, talked with my mom about it, my family, and I had to make that decision. I don't want to leave UCLA because I love it so much. But you have to some day, you have to leave. I didn't want to leave Dorsey High because I love it so much, and I had to leave. You have to leave someday."
Gold: When did you really know?
Moore: "I would have to say it was when I first turned in my evaluation. I was sure about my answer. I understand why guys stay their senior year. I told Coach, I have no problem staying. But I've been waiting 20 years for this. I have the opportunity to go play in the National Football League, why not take it? I don't want to focus on what people think I can't do; I'm going to be playing against the best. I'm not going for money, fame, I'm going for a career. I want to be the best I can be. I think I can be special in the NFL, once I get my feet wet and understand the game."
Gold: Decision made, bags packed, already in Florida...nervous at all? Scared even?
Moore: "I'm nervous, but I'm ready. I'm ready. I've been in this situation before - having to be able to make a decision. When I was a freshman in high school, I could've stayed on JV, but I wanted to play varsity. When I went to college, I could've redshirted, but I ended up playing. I had to be a big boy about everything. I feel like I'm ready. I know it will be tough. I know it will be challenging.
"The one thing that I want UCLA fans, people to understand - people don't understand that I really put a lot into this football. I'm going to be one of those guys where they say be there at 8, I'll be there at six. They say we're done at 5, I'll be there til nine. Whatever team wants that, they'll get that out of me."
Gold: What's going to be the hardest part of leaving UCLA early?
Moore: "The hardest part will be leaving the locker room. That's the best times. I used to come in sometimes and it was't a good day. Seeing my guys, seeing the players and the staff, being around that great atmosphere, it would bring a sense of happiness to my body. I'm going to miss going to the Rose Bowl. I would always play my Tupac, Dear Mama, pray, go to the student section. I'm going to miss that. Now I'm leaving all that. I remember (Alterraun Verner) and (Brian Price) told me it will go by that fast when I was a freshman. And it feels like I've only been here one day. It's like I was sleeping the whole time I was there. I'm going to miss putting that helmet on."
Gold: It's weird because you know you've left UCLA, but you don't know where you'll end up; how hard are these next four months going to be for you?
Moore: "It's going to be very tough. These are the most important months of my life. I'm putting it all in God's hands. I'm focused right now. I'm worried about me right now. I'm doing all I can to get better. I'm watching a lot of the film, writing down my notes, and I'm going to spend all this time on football, football, football. I'm getting stronger, trying to get faster. These four months, I really need."
Gold: What do you think you're leaving behind at UCLA?
I think I'm leaving a good legacy. For a guy to be a two-time All-American, you'd never think Rahim would be that. If someone would've told me that, I would've fainted. I'm leaving a leacy, and I'm blessed. The one thing I want to say about all my success at UCLA, I want people to understand how hard I work. I put the amount of hours in that coaches around the world do. I wasn't just a player on the field, I was a coach on the field. Dietrich Riley, guys like that, they respect me because I go about football in a different way. I don't go around thinking I'm the hotshot. I always play with a chip on my shoulder. I'm leaving a legacy, not just as a student-athlete, but someone who loves that blue and gold.
"And one last thing I want to add (Ed. note: he was getting a little choked up)...For the fans and everybody, I really love you. I appreciate everything you've done for me. Even though I'm leaving UCLA, I'm never going to stop bleeding that blue and gold. I love our fans so much, I wish I could shake everyone's hand. Literally, everyone's hand. I was crying the whole day. It meant that much to me. I'm going to make all the UCLA fans proud."
Rahim - If you read this, I can assure you that we are *already* proud of you. Best of luck to you.
go get em RAHIM. we're all rooting for you to succeed.
Could I possibly like this guy any more?
Rahim defines what "class" is all about. I'm going to be rooting for this guy no matter what he does. Kick some tail Rahim!!
Thanks for a great 3 years Rahim. Loved the passion you had for UCLA. Good luck!
What a good guy. There goes another $120. Last season I sprung for the #20 VERNER Titans jersey and now next season I'll have to buy the Rahim Moore jersey!
Rahim, all UCLA fans are already proud of you. If they aren't, they aren't true UCLA fans.
Best of luck for your future and your career; we have no doubts you'll be a star in the NFL. All the Bruin nation is rooting for you.
I just hope he gets drafted high enough to justify leaving early. However, I wish Rahim the very best of luck!! I know he played his heart out for us every game and every day.
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES RAHIM! GO MAKE SOME MORE ON SUNDAYS!
If you haven't read his press release yet, Go. Read. Now.
Beautiful.
Thank you and God bless you.