Tennessee Titans tight end Briley Moore is ready to compete for a roster spot. A second-year undrafted free agent, Moore’s rookie season was derailed by an injury. Now healthy and ready to prove his worth, Moore is a potential breakout candidate as the Titans approach training camp and the preseason. A popular UDFA target out of Kansas State, Moore recorded 22 receptions for 338 receiving yards and three touchdowns in nine appearances as a Wildcat in 2020.
Moore recently spoke exclusively with Broadway Sports regarding his road to recovery, how he’s settling into Tennessee’s new-look tight end room, his training camp goals, which veteran teammates he’s established a particularly strong relationship with, and so much more.
JM: You signed with the Titans as an undrafted free agent last season. You were excited to compete for a roster spot. What’s the biggest lesson you learned during your rookie season?
BM: Watching guys like Geoff Swaim, Anthony Firkser, MyCole Pruitt and Tommy Hudson last season, I paid close attention to how they go about their business. I learned from them on a daily basis while I was on the sidelines. I soaked up those little tips they’d give me. I was trying to gain as much experience as possible while I was on injured reserve. Hopefully that experience will help me throughout this summer.
JM: You suffered an injury that derailed your rookie campaign. You’re fully healthy now and ready to prove your worth to the coaching staff. What was your mindset like during the road to recovery?
BM: I really just took things one day at a time. You obviously never want to find yourself in that situation, especially when you’re so close to achieving your childhood dream like I was last season. I’m a big man of faith and I know God’s timing is always better than the one I had for myself in my head. I trusted his timing. Going back to what I said, I spent that time trying to learn and gain knowledge from the sidelines. We had a great group of guys last season. I’m fully healthy and ready to get out there.
JM: The Titans stood by you and supported you throughout that process. In all honesty, they didn’t have to do that. They chose to do that. It’s a huge compliment. What did that tell you about how they view you as a player?
BM: That really meant a lot to me. It told me a lot about the organization in general and the people within these walls. Actions speak louder than words. That was one of the coolest things I learned throughout that experience. From [team owner] Ms. Amy [Adams Strunk] down to Jon Robinson and coach Mike Vrabel, they’re a bunch of really good, supportive people. With my situation being that I was an undrafted free agent, they stood by me and kept me around. I’m excited to give this thing another go at training camp. It speaks volumes about the organization.
JM: It sure does. What are you most excited about as you prepare for training camp and the preseason?
BM: It’s been a while since I’ve played football (laughs). I’m just excited to have the opportunity to play football again. Getting hurt just one week and a few days into camp last year, I learned that you have to enjoy every single day. That’s been my outlook throughout organized team activities (OTAs). I just keep referring to that. I’m enjoying every practice. Come the preseason, it’ll be roughly a year and a half since I last played in a football game. I’m really looking forward to that. I’m enjoying the process. At the end of the day, I’m employed to play the game of football, which I love very much. I’ve loved it since I was a little kid. There can be setbacks and things on your mind, but at the end of the day, I get to do what I love the most. I’m really looking forward to that.
JM: You talked about being away from the game for a little bit. I know we didn’t have any contact at OTAs, but running those drills and routes, it must have felt great to get back in the swing of things.
BM: It was crazy. I definitely have that itch back. I wanted to do a little bit more every single day. Being sidelined and watching the season unfold, that feeling of not being able to help the team physically is never a good feeling. To finally get back out there, run some routes, it feels so good to be back out here with my guys. It’s been absolutely amazing. It’s changed my perspective and allows me to appreciate every single day a little bit more.
JM: How have you seen the dynamic begin to form in this new-look tight end room that also features Austin Hooper, Geoff Swaim, Chigoziem Okonkwo and Tommy Hudson?
BM: We have a lot of great athletes in our tight end room. Most importantly, all of those guys you just mentioned are really good people. We’ve all built connections with one another. Getting Chig [Okonkwo] in here, from day one he’s been detail-oriented and very mature. He’s a fun guy to be around. We’re all building connections and getting to know each other. I’m excited to share the field with those guys and compete as a member of the Tennessee Titans. I’m going to continue growing my game throughout fall camp.
JM: Is there a veteran that has really gone out of their way to show you the ropes over your two offseasons in Tennessee?
BM: One of my favorite things about our tight end room both last year and going into this year is having Geoff Swaim in there. He’s a veteran that I believe is entering his eighth season in 2022. He’s a great guy. We’ll be installing a play and he’ll lean over and whisper little tips into my ear about what I should be looking for. He’ll give us some coaching points on the field as well, which is awesome.
We also added Austin Hooper this summer. He’s another veteran that’s been extremely successful in this league. He’s the same type of guy. He loves to help out. He’s given us a bunch of tips about different coverage looks and what not. I’m trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can. Even Tommy Hudson, who also battled some injuries last season, he’s the same type of guy. We talk a lot. He’s a very smart football player so we’re able to talk about schemes. We’re very fortunate to have the group we have. Everybody is so smart and willing to help a younger guy.
JM: It really is a great group. I’m excited to watch you impact the passing game. That was your calling card at Kansas State. Do you have a favorite route to run?
BM: I couldn’t even tell you right now (laughs). I’m excited to get back into the swing of things. I’m willing to run anything. When I was in college, my favorite route was definitely a red-zone fade. I also loved the all-go’s in the open field as well. I’m a guy that can stretch the field and make a big play in the passing game.
JM: How would you describe your relationship with tight ends position coach Luke Steckel?
BM: Coach Steckel is a great dude. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever had at any level. He’s a great person first and foremost. He really cares about his players on a personal level. He’s a great teacher when it comes to the install period. He really wants to learn about his players. He knows how to coach each individual player a little differently, because not everybody learns the same. He realizes that and always manages to alter his approach appropriately. He’s great in the meeting room. He’s a coach you love to play for. You want to go out there and give it your all for him because he’s such a great person.
JM: I’ve really appreciated your time today, Briley. This has been terrific. In closing, what are your goals as we inch towards training camp?
BM: I’m trying to carve out a role for myself. Whether that’s through special teams or playing tight end and even full back, I’m willing to do whatever I can to help the team win. I’m excited to showcase my abilities throughout camp, especially because I was here for a limited time last year. I’m excited to get out here and begin carving out a role for myself.
