Raiders' LB Moore ready to resume his role as vocal team leader
Sio Moore says he has two jobs as a Raiders veteran. He's a starting linebacker, sure, but he's also the dancing, screaming, fiery leader of that Silver and Black defense.
He could do neither job last season. Yet as he fought and rehabbed through a season-ending hip injury, Moore realized football's energizing power all over again.
“Man, that was probably one of the hardest times I had to deal with,” Moore told the team's official website. “I think what helped me get through it is just knowing that I’m a type of person that’s always able to try and find my way and fight through adversity.”
He'll be a welcome sight on the field when he finally returns. Moore tallied up 90 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble in 11 games for the Raiders in 2014.
It's that second job, though, that he's most excited to resume. Save for a few grizzly veterans like Charles Woodson and Justin Tuck, Oakland's defense is still relatively young. They missed the guidance of a vocal leader like Moore.
The unit will gain two such forces this season. On the field, Moore will relay calls from an equally-energetic new coordinator in Ken Norton Jr. and his fiery staff.
Moore can't wait to get back on the field and get to work those coaches.
"When you play the linebacker position, you’ve got to have fire,” he said. “You’ve got to be passionate."
Added Moore: "I look at it like the linebackers are like the heartbeat; they’re like the snare drum. (The defense) doesn’t live without it.”